Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Truro School Prep Speech Day

Families, esteemed guests, staff, and pupils gathered for the annual Truro School Prep Speech Day,  a cherished occasion recognising the achievements and spirit of our vibrant school community.

The event opened with heartfelt prayers and reflections from Head of Truro School, Mr Andy Johnson, and Head of Truro School Prep, Mr Rob Morse, who shared thoughts on the year gone by, celebrating the values and accomplishments that define life at Truro School Prep. There was also a beautiful performance of ‘A Clare Benediction’ by John Rutter from our Prep choir and current cohort of choristers.

The distribution of prizes was led by our guest of honour, Ms Bella Collins, whose remarkable story left a lasting impression on all who attended. Bella is a record-breaking ocean rower who crossed both the Atlantic and mid-Pacific Oceans, despite having no prior experience in rowing or endurance sport.

At just 21, she became part of the youngest and fastest all-female team to row across the Atlantic. She later rowed across the Pacific to break the female world record by over two weeks.

Bella’s speech was filled with powerful life lessons for pupils of all ages. She encouraged them to:

• Keep learning and adopt a growth mindset, reminding pupils that she wasn’t the sporty or practical one at school, yet achieved the extraordinary through perseverance and courage.
• Face fear and say yes to new opportunities, because even uncertain beginnings can lead to remarkable outcomes.
• Understand and embrace the strengths and weaknesses of others, and play to your own strengths, while understanding that ‘weaknesses’ can help us to build resilience.
• Recognise that the easiest route isn’t always the best, as her team’s longer Atlantic route still led them to a second-place finish in a field dominated by male crews.
• Embrace gratitude and positivity, especially during challenging times, and always believe that there is a solution to every problem – especially when you prepare, plan, and collaborate.

Pupils in Years 3 to 5 were recognised for their achievements in attainment, progress, citizenship, effort, and the creative arts. It was a delight to celebrate their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Our exceptional Year 6 pupils were then honoured for their many contributions to school life, with prizes awarded for excellence across academia, creativity, sport, and character. Their time at Truro School Prep has been marked by courage, confidence, creativity, compassion and curiosity. The final award, the Head’s Cup, was presented to Ellie L for her outstanding contribution to all areas of school life.

Truro School Prep Speech Day 2025 was a joyful and uplifting way to close the year and a testament to the strength, spirit, and community that define our school.