About Truro School Enterprises & The History of Truro School

Truro School Enterprises – Established 1992

Truro School Enterprises was officially established in July 1992 under the Headship of Guy Dodd. As the commercial arm of Truro School in Cornwall, to manage and hire out the school’s extensive facilities for events, conferences, sports, and community use.

Our purpose is twofold: to generate income that directly supports the school’s educational mission, and to make our outstanding facilities available to the wider community for a diverse range of functions and activities.

Over the years, we have welcomed a number of high-profile organisations, including:

  • BBC

  • ITV

  • Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

  • TEDx

  • Comic Con

Our sports facilities have also proudly served as the long-standing home of Truro Hockey Club, reinforcing our strong connection to the local community and Cornwall’s sporting landscape.

A Brief History of Truro School

Founded in 1880.

Truro School began life as Truro Wesleyan Middle Class College, opening on 20 January 1880 with just 35 boys in a chapel schoolroom in the centre of Truro. Rapid growth led to the purchase of the present site in 1881, which opened the following year.

In 1931, the school was renamed Truro School, and in 1934 it was granted public school status, becoming a member of the Headmasters’ Conference. The school became fully independent in 1977 following the end of the Direct Grant Scheme.

The first step towards co-education came in 1976 when girls were admitted into the Sixth Form. By 1990, Truro School became fully co-educational.

Growth & Development of Facilities

Truro School has continually expanded its facilities and campus to meet the needs of modern education and community use:

  • 1936 – Prep School opened at the Treliske campus

  • 1977 – New technology block and sports hall opened

  • 1996 – Indoor swimming pool replaced the 1950s open-air pool

  • 2002 – The Burrell Theatre opened by Sir Tim Rice, featuring a 250-seat auditorium and six classrooms

  • 2013 – Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre opened

  • 2018 – Cookery School launched

  • 2024–2026 – Development of a state-of-the-art Music Centre, including a 900-seat auditorium, rehearsal rooms, studios, classrooms, and a dedicated rock room (due for completion Summer 2026)

This continued investment ensures that Truro School remains one of Cornwall’s leading independent schools and event venues.

Notable Alumni

Truro School has produced a distinguished list of alumni across the arts, sport, science, and public life, including:

  • Actors Robert Shaw, Nigel Terry, and John Rhys Davies

  • Opera singers Benjamin Luxon and Alan Opie

  • Roger Taylor of Queen

  • Olympic gold medallists Christopher Davies and Sir Ben Ainslie

  • Political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice

  • Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance

  • England rugby captain John Kendall Carpenter

A Historic School, A Modern Venue

Today, Truro School Enterprises combines over 140 years of heritage with modern, purpose-built facilities, offering one of the most distinctive event venues in Truro and Cornwall.

By choosing Truro School Enterprises, you are partnering with a historic institution that continues to invest in excellence — in education, in facilities, and in community engagement.

- Rotary Club of Truro Boscawen -

I wish to say a massive thank you for the help and support we were given. Everyone looked after us splendidly and without a doubt a good time was had by all. The facilities were excellent and the evening a great success, please take a deal of the credit for that outcome.

David Roberts - RC Truro Boscawen
- Singing Teachers Workshop -

Thank you so much for your hospitality in providing such excellent facilities for the AOTOS Access Day. We were very happy with the arrangements. The caretakers and catering staff were so approachable and willing to help.

Annabella Waite MBE - AOTOS
- Mayor Making -

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you. Everything went smoothly and we were very appreciative of you accommodating some of the last minute requests. You were on hand for the entire evening and many people commented on how wonderful the setting and food was.

Rachel Dartnell - Truro City Council
- Cornwall Business Fair -

CCC were delighted with the SBA Sport’s Centre for its Business Fair 2018 and received really positive feedback from attendees. Truro School’s team were very efficient and the space was transformed into a professional business fair.

Laura Barnes - Cornwall Chamber of Commerce