Welcoming our New Staff

Truro School is delighted to welcome a wonderful group of new colleagues to both the Senior School and Prep School this term. From leadership and teaching to catering, grounds and support services, our new starters bring a range of experience, energy and enthusiasm to the Truro School community.

Senior School
Ilia Kurgansky – Assistant Head (Director of Studies)
Taryn Lloyd – Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Aysha Bennett – Head of Maths
Steffy Jaison – HR Advisor (maternity cover)
Clare Martin – HR Advisor (Recruitment)
Emily Knight – Biology Technician
Stacey Wheeler – Chemistry Technician
Tiegen Hatchett – Catering Assistant
Gemmah Skinner – Café Assistant
Nathan Jelbert – Caretaker
Peter Joyce – Gardens and Grounds
Henry Williams – Gardens and Grounds
Alison Smith – Minibus Driver
Sport and Co-Curricular
Samuel Ward – Sports Coach (Football)
James Hoswell – Drama Assistant

Prep School
Georgina Royle – Head of Science
Kathryn Macquarrie – KS1 Teacher
Katherine Constant-White – Teacher of English
Kyra Orchard – EYFS Teaching Assistant
Alex Bates – Chef Manager
Carla Jose – Catering Assistant

Getting to Know Our New Starters

New starters have plenty to juggle in their first few weeks, so we caught up with a handful of them to get to know them a little bit better.

Georgina Royle, Head of Science (Prep School)

What’s one thing you’d love your pupils/colleagues to know about you outside of work?

Outside of school, I’m usually being taken for a walk by my three spaniels, although they like to think it’s the other way around! I also have three teenage children, so I spend quite a lot of my time waiting for the moment when they actually want to hang out with me. Those moments are precious… and usually involve food!

What’s a moment from your career (or life) so far that you’re genuinely proud of?

I’m really proud of achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark at my previous school. It was a real team effort and something that reflected a genuine commitment to making science exciting, practical and meaningful for children. Seeing pupils become genuinely excited about asking questions and finding things out made all the hard work worthwhile.

Who or what challenged you to grow the most — and what did you learn from it?

Probably the children themselves! They have a wonderful habit of asking questions you really don’t expect, usually at exactly the moment you thought you had everything under control. They’ve taught me that you don’t always need to have the answer; sometimes the best thing you can do is say, “I don’t know… let’s find out.”

What’s one thing you hope to challenge yourself to do in your first year here?

I’d like to challenge myself to say yes to something that takes me completely out of my comfort zone. I’m not entirely sure what that will be yet, which is both exciting and slightly concerning!

Describe a time someone made a real difference to you — big or small.

I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside people who have encouraged me to have a go, even when I wasn’t completely convinced I could. Having someone believe in you can make a huge difference. Sometimes a little encouragement is all it takes to think, “Right, I’ll give it a go.” And occasionally, discovering that you actually can do it!

What kind of difference do you hope to make at Truro School?

I’d love to help children become genuinely curious learners; the sort of children who ask big questions about the world and aren’t afraid to wonder, investigate and challenge what they think they know. If I can help create a classroom where children leave thinking, “I wonder why…?” rather than “Is this going to be in the test?”, I’ll feel I’ve made a difference.

Aysha Bennett, Head of Mathematics (Senior School)

What’s one thing you’d love your pupils/colleagues to know about you outside of work?

Family has always been at the heart of everything I do. When my son, Reuben, wanted to join our local rugby club, Doncaster Knights in Yorkshire, I challenged myself to step beyond my usual comfort zone and became part of the coaching team. What started as a way to support my son turned into a rewarding experience that allowed me to mentor young players, contribute to the local community, and develop new skills in leadership and teamwork. I continued coaching until our move to Cornwall and am proud of the positive impact the experience had on both the players and my own personal development.

What’s a moment from your career (or life) so far that you’re genuinely proud of?

Becoming a mother ten years ago was one of the most significant moments of my life, and welcoming another child eight months ago made that journey even more special. Motherhood is one of the proudest and most rewarding achievements of my life. Every day, my children remind me of the power of love, laughter, patience, and perspective. They bring purpose to my life and have helped me develop greater empathy, understanding, and resilience.

Who or what challenged you to grow the most — and what did you learn from it?

At just five foot one and a half inches tall (and let’s not forget the half!), I may not have grown much physically over the years, but I have certainly grown as a person. My husband has always been my biggest supporter, continually encouraging me to push myself, recognise my potential, and strive to be the very best version of myself.
In fact, it was his belief in me that gave me the confidence to apply for the role at Truro and embark on a new adventure by relocating our family to Cornwall. Moving this summer presented one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. Adjusting to a new home, a new location, a new job, and life with a new baby all at the same time was no small feat.
Yet through this experience, I discovered a level of resilience and courage that I did not know I possessed. It taught me that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown and embracing change, even when it feels daunting. Taking that leap of faith showed me that I am stronger, braver, and more adaptable than I ever imagined. Sometimes, the greatest opportunities come when we are willing to take a risk and trust ourselves to succeed.

What’s one thing you hope to challenge yourself to do in your first year here?

During the few weeks we spent in Cornwall before the start of term, we took every opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline and visit some of the local beaches. Living so close to the sea has inspired me to try new experiences, and I am determined to learn how to paddleboard.
While the idea sounds wonderful in theory, I must admit that my lack of core strength and questionable sense of balance may make the reality somewhat entertaining for anyone watching! Nevertheless, I am looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing the challenge, and hopefully spending more time on the board than in the water.

Describe a time someone made a real difference to you — big or small.

One particular memory stands out and continues to inspire me today. As I was accelerated in mathematics, I studied and sat my examinations ahead of my year group. At that time, mathematics qualifications included coursework, and although I was often taught outside of my usual year group, Mr True went above and beyond to ensure that I never felt isolated or overlooked. He generously gave up a considerable amount of his own time to support me, guide me through the coursework, and make me feel valued and included as part of the class.
Looking back, it was not only his expertise as a teacher that made such a difference, but also his unwavering belief in me and his willingness to invest in my success. He exemplified the difference that a truly dedicated teacher can make in a young person’s life.
Even now, his influence remains with me. The care, encouragement, and commitment he showed me are qualities I strive to embody every day in my own teaching. Whenever I support a pupil, give my time beyond the classroom, or encourage a child to believe in their potential, I am reminded of the example Mr True set. He is, and always will be, the teacher I aspire to be for my students.

What kind of difference do you hope to make at Truro School?

I hope to make a difference at Truro School by helping every student believe in their own potential and develop the confidence to achieve more than they thought possible. As a teacher, I have always believed that education is about far more than academic success. While I am passionate about mathematics and helping students develop a love and understanding of the subject, I also want them to feel supported, valued, and encouraged as individuals. Ultimately, if students leave my classroom knowing a little more mathematics, believing a little more in themselves, and feeling genuinely supported along the way, then I will feel that I have made a meaningful difference at Truro School.

Katherine Constant-White, Teacher of English (Prep School)

What’s one thing you’d love your pupils/colleagues to know about you outside of work?

I love creative writing and am currently working on a YA dystopian novel.

What’s a moment from your career (or life) so far that you’re genuinely proud of?

Championing neurodiversity in my former school and helping pupils understand the fantastic strengths neurodiversity can bring. Seeing pupils gain places and scholarships to schools like King’s, Godolphin and Latymer, Westminster and Alleyn’s. And, of course, becoming a mother to my two amazing children.

Who or what challenged you to grow the most — and what did you learn from it?

Parenthood! Those early sleep-deprived days. If you know, you know!

What’s one thing you hope to challenge yourself to do in your first year here?

I hope to help children find real enjoyment in English.

Describe a time someone made a real difference to you — big or small.

A simple email or words of gratitude can sometimes mean the absolute world!

What kind of difference do you hope to make at Truro School?

I hope to transfer some of my enthusiasm and passion for English and creative writing to my pupils. I genuinely care about helping each of them fulfil their potential.

Kathy MacQuarrie, KS1 Teacher (Prep School)

What’s one thing you’d love your pupils/colleagues to know about you outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, mountain biking, running, surfing or hiking. I love to travel and enjoy experiencing different cultures, seeing incredible wildlife and different landscapes.

What’s one thing you hope to challenge yourself to do in your first year here?
I am looking forward to getting to know my new class and embracing the wonderful learning environment and experiences Truro School has to offer.

Once again, a very warm welcome to all our new colleagues joining Truro School this term.

Introducing our new SLT Members

Taryn Lloyd | Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Taryn joins us after 16 years in a similar role at an independent school in the South-East, and years spent working summers at a US camp, where she loved “the sense that any camper could do anything.” She led boarding provision through COVID, which taught her “the value of really knowing the people you work with” and recognising strengths that might not otherwise be visible.

Her ambition for Truro is to support and nurture pupils and students who “feel confident advocating for themselves, and others” and who understand the true value of integrity.

Ilia Kurgansky | Assistant Head (Director of Studies)

Ilia brings experience from boarding schools across the UK and South Korea, and most recently a day school in Denmark. He’s proudest of digitising and tracking over 9,000 exam scripts during COVID, a project that showed him “the lengths to which teachers are willing to go for their students, often quietly and on their own initiative.”

He’s struck by Truro’s willingness to keep improving, calling it “genuinely open-minded about trying new things.” He has one clear mission here: to “make everyone’s life easier; data, systems, organisation, and technology should not be a hindrance.”

Poppy Naylor | Director of External Relations

Poppy brings over 25 years’ experience in fundraising, marketing and communications, including senior roles at Cancer Research UK and advisory work for the DEC, NSPCC and Age UK. She helped build the Stand Up To Cancer campaign into one that raised tens of millions of pounds, and says the real lesson was that “great leadership is about creating clarity and giving people the confidence and space to do their best work.”

Having grown up in a boarding school community as the daughter of two teachers, she’s determined to help “more people… understand, experience and be excited by what makes Truro School such a special place.”