Boarding Reflections – Ben Hadley CO11

When Ben Hadley left Truro School in 2011, he left having experienced “some of the best years of my life!” Today, Ben still lives in Cornwall but has now swapped Trennick for living with his partner and their two dogs, Teddy and Mabel! Ben works in the fast-growing field of renewable energy corporate finance. Looking back, he describes his Truro School experience in three words: “absolutely life changing.”

Ben remembers joining as a boarder because his family lived too far away for a practical daily commute. What began as a logistical choice quickly became one of the most defining chapters of his life. He lived in two houses during his time, Poltisco and Trennick, each contributing something different to his personal growth. His Housemasters included Mr Nicholas, Mr Huckle, Mr Austin and Mr Davies. He recalls Mr Nicholas in particular as a constant source of support. “The boarding houses were a home away from home to the point that given the option, I would often choose to stay over the weekends to go to the various activities organised by the Housemasters or just stay to spend more time with the great friends I made there.” Benjamin’s memories of boarding life are vivid: football on the Astro, energetic games of “man hunt” on the terraces, evening sports sessions and countless weekend trips arranged by the Housemasters.

Academically, Ben gravitated towards Geology and Physics, subjects he credits with shaping his future direction. Truro School’s strong Geology department, and teachers like Mr Kenyon (TS Head of Geology 1980-2021), cultivated a fascination with Earth Sciences that stayed with him long after he left the classroom. This passion led him to study Geophysics at the University of Leeds, where he enjoyed four enriching years that included a transformative year abroad in Canada. “Truro School taught me the value of hard work and to be passionate in subjects that interested me. Both attending and boarding at Truro School prepared me for life after school, both socially and professionally.”

After graduating, he first worked as a Geophysical Engineer at RSK, applying his scientific training in practical, on-site contexts. Seeking greater career flexibility, he later moved into accountancy and joined PKF Francis Clark, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. It was within the firm’s Corporate Finance team that Ben found his professional niche. Today, as a Corporate Finance Manager specialising in Renewable Energy M&A, he advises developers, owners and operators on the buying, selling and financing of renewable projects, particularly solar and wind farms. Like many newly qualified accountants, Ben spent a short period working in industry. Though ultimately not the right fit, it broadened his perspective and confirmed his preference for the variety and pace of practice life.

His advice to students interested in similar careers is practical and encouraging: “Accountancy is incredibly versatile and can give you the flexibility to live almost anywhere. Everyone needs an accountant! Work experience or summer internships are a great place to start.”

Ben is proud to be an Old Truronian, particularly when he looks back at the friends he shared his school years with and sees the diverse paths they’ve taken. He still keeps in touch with a few OTs, including Brinley Hall CO11 and Jimmy Mak CO11. As for the future, his plans involve continuing to grow within the renewable energy sector and, on a personal level, starting a family. When asked what he’d say to parents considering Truro School for boarding, his answer is heartfelt: “It’s a great place to teach your kids to be well-rounded individuals. It helped me educationally and socially, and they were some of the best years of my life.”