Truro High School’s results are the icing on the cake for its talented students

Truro High School’s results are the icing on the cake for its talented students

12 August 2021

There were squeals of joy at Truro High School for Girls where almost a quarter of all GCSE passes were at the very highest grade 9, but more importantly value-added tables also released today show that students across the year achieved up to 1.5 grades higher than the data predicted, demonstrating the usual growth Truro High sees for its students each year.

It’s a huge success story for the school where students follow 11 subjects as standard compared to the normal 9 taken in most other students in Cornwall. In fact, an impressive 28% of girls achieved grades 8 or 9 in at least 9 subjects each.

This year some girls chose to take up to 13 subjects, adding optional extras such as Astronomy, Further Maths and Russian. However, Headmistress Sarah Matthews is quick to point out that the school is far from being an academic hothouse despite its incredible academics.

She said: “These girls make me so proud. Not only are they progressing into Sixth Form with great sets of results under their belts but they are doing so knowing that they have also benefitted from having the balance of a whole raft of different experiences along the way.”

“These girls have been leaders on the sports field throughout their GCSE studies. They have followed their passion for music, they have worked as professional actors and they have made their mark in Parliament. It is this breadth and balance that allows our girls to retain their intellectual curiosity and their love of learning which serves them so well at exam time.”

Among those collecting results was talented sailor Rose Hallam who competes as part of the RYA South West Feva Training Group. Rose hopes one day to represent her country at the Olympics but for now is very happy with her 12 GCSEs, all of which are grade 9. A keen songstress and musician, Rose also dabbles with the idea of playing one day for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

She said: “It has been hard work but I have had the full support of my teachers and my family and that makes all the difference. The quality of the teaching we are given is so good and I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Charlotte Haynes is a first degree black belt Shodan in karate but also found time to gain 13 GCSEs, 11 of which were at grade 9 with 2 at grade 8.

There was a double celebration for Libby Kingston who, as well as picking up 11 excellent GCSEs, also discovered she has won a national Young Historian Award. Libby is fascinated with Russian history and her essay about Alexander Litvinenko impressed the judges of the GCSE Modern World Prize.

Among proud parents was Beccy Thomas whose daughter Tiana is the third generation of the family to attend the school. She said: “This is a big moment for us. When I think back to the quiet little person who joined the school back in Prep 4, she is very different now. Her confidence has completely blossomed, she has flourished at this school and the staff have been amazing – I cannot thank them enough for their dedication, their care and everything they have done to bring Tiana to this point.”

Lucy Marshall is on the board for the Truro branch of the British Youth Council and has just been approached by the National Citizen Service about becoming a UK ambassador for the organisation. Today she is celebrating even more good news with 12 GCSEs, all at grade 8 or 9.

She said: “This school is such a special place and without my teachers, all of this would not have been possible. I am so grateful for all the work that they have done.”

Mum Gill added: “We are unbelievably proud. Everybody at school has pulled together in a team and the girls’ results are clear for everyone to see.”

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