Percy – From Hong Kong to Cornwall

Percy, an Upper Sixth boarder at Truro School, began her journey here five years ago, leaving behind the bustling city of Hong Kong for the rolling landscapes of Cornwall. When she and her parents first visited Truro School, she was struck by the warmth of the community and the impressive facilities, from the sports centre and swimming pool to the dedicated fencing hall. “I remember my first impression of this place and the school is that everyone is very nice and easy to approach. I was also quite amazed by how big the campus is and all the facilities it has.” Among all the schools she considered, Truro School stood out the most, and it has since become a place she proudly calls her second home.

Since joining as a 3rd Year (Year 9) student, Percy has fully embraced boarding life. Weekdays are a busy balance of academics and extracurricular activities, including drama and badminton. “Sixth Form life keeps me much busier than before, but I enjoy it. I take part in different after-school activities like badminton and drama, which makes my days feel productive and fulfilling.”

She enjoys the structure and productivity of her days, with weekends offering a welcome opportunity to catch up on schoolwork and spend time with friends. One of her favourite aspects of boarding is the easy access to the Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre, where she often unwinds in the evenings with her friends. “I love that I can always go to the SBA (Sport Centre) in the evenings and spend some time with my friends.”

For Percy, every moment in the boarding house is memorable, but one cherished tradition that stands out is her annual trip to Exeter at Christmastime. “Every Christmas, we take a trip to Exeter, and I always look forward to it. It’s nice to have a day out of Cornwall, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and do some Christmas shopping with friends.”

With a keen interest in Biology and Economics, Percy has developed strong time-management skills to balance her studies with boarding life. “I usually will try to complete the tasks set by my teachers as soon as possible instead of doing them the day before the deadline. By doing so, I can leave more free time to relax or do further daily revision. I find it quite effective to use my time in this way.”

Beyond academics, she has a passion for performance and was involved in the school’s production of Chicago. She also has a long-standing love for badminton, having played for the Cornwall county team for two years before continuing with the school club. “Now I go to badminton club in school every Monday and Thursday.”

Boarding has played a significant role in shaping Percy’s independence. She recalls how, in her early years, teachers and classmates went the extra mile to help her settle in, ensuring she felt supported both academically and socially. “In my first couple of years at Truro School, the teachers were especially attentive, making sure I could keep up with my studies. My classmates were also incredibly welcoming, which helped me settle in quickly and feel at home.”

Over time, she has grown in confidence and self-sufficiency, managing her schoolwork and responsibilities while forming lifelong friendships. “Gradually, I gained much more independence and now I am capable of dealing with all the things at school and in boarding.”

Some of her closest friends hail from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand, connections she still maintains, even after they have left Truro School, “I’ve made some incredible friends from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. Even though they’ve now graduated, we still keep in touch, and I know these friendships will last for years to come.”

Adjusting to life in Cornwall was a smooth transition for Percy, who quickly felt at home in the school’s welcoming environment. “When I first arrived, I didn’t struggle with settling in, I actually adjusted quite quickly. Truro School made it easy to feel at home.”

She enjoys sharing traditions from her culture, particularly celebrating Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival with fellow boarders. “My friends from Hong Kong and China always celebrate these festivals together, and we love sharing our traditions with other boarders from different countries. It’s a great way to connect and learn from one another.”

When she isn’t studying or participating in extracurricular activities, Percy loves spending time in Truro town, enjoying a bit of shopping and relaxation with friends after a busy week. “I enjoy spending some time in town and doing some shopping with my friends after a busy day or week.”

Reflecting on her time at Truro School, Percy is grateful for the wealth of opportunities she has had to explore new interests and develop essential life skills. “During my time at Truro School, I’ve developed so many important skills that will help me in the future. I’ve had the chance to try new things, discover my passions, and figure out the path I want to take”. The guidance from staff and the encouragement of her peers have helped her refine her future aspirations. “The support from teachers and friends has really helped me grow. They’ve given me valuable advice and helped me develop the skills and knowledge I need for the future.” As she prepares for the next chapter, she knows that the independence, resilience, and friendships she has built at Truro School will stay with her for years to come.