Head – Truro High School

This is a superb opportunity for a dynamic and thoughtful educational leader to join the School, at an exciting time in its development.

Truro High School, situated five minutes from the city centre, was founded in 1880.  Deliberately a smaller school, the feeling is very much of a happy extended family. There are currently 370 girls at the school, day and boarding, and the pupil roll has risen by around 25% over the past two years as the School has gained a great deal of attention locally through the successes of its pupils and for the diverse and innovative range of events and activities it offers.

Sarah Matthews now leaves to take up an international headship, but has done a tremendous job growing the roll and moving the school forward, whilst navigating the challenges faced by many girls’ boarding schools. Now at the end of its most recent 5-year development plan, this is a great time to make a mark on the next chapter of Truro High School’s history.  This is a school with little ego or pretence.  It is a kind, caring and safe environment, with committed staff, loyal parents and children who feel understood and valued. For a smaller school, it offers impressive breadth and considers itself to be a liberal institution punching much above its weight.

The Governors are looking for someone with proven experience in senior leadership to make a mark on a progressive school with tremendous vision and ambition. The successful candidate will value and support the Christian ethos while cherishing the diversity of faiths and cultures that form a vital part of our community. He or she will have the personality and imagination to inspire, and be inspired, as the School looks forward to its 150^th anniversary in 2030.

The new Head will welcome the opportunity to establish a home in Cornwall, a Duchy that has, for centuries, fired a fierce passion in all those who live here, proud of its mining heritage, seascapes, wild coasts and moorlands.

This Headship is both operational and strategic. We are looking for someone who is prepared to think differently, to shape the school in new and interesting ways, who really enjoys the company of children, walks the school every day, listens to staff and parents, and supports and contributes to the many activities that give the school its special flavour and vim. Above all, the new Head must be a champion for girls’ education, in what is one of the most beautiful and lively parts of the UK.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion with:

Sarah Glencross, Head of Senior School Search: sarahglencross@rsacademics.com

Charlotte Faber, Senior Advisor: charlottefaber@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is Monday 16 February 2026 at 10.00am.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• A completed Application Form.
• A covering letter addressed to Mr Julian Thould, Chair of Governors. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 795.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

• Truro High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.