Truro High School for Girls closing?

[ecologist111444]

Has anyone else heard this rumour?

No, and I have some connections to the school.

They were vulnerable 10 years ago but did well post-Covid.

@AlphaApple I heard a rumour that it is the methodist trust that are in trouble.

Not heard this but intrigued

What Trust are they part of? I thought it was MIST but I can’t see them listed on their site.

Yes MIST. I have connections related to them and have heard that they are in a bit of trouble.

I think you might be confusing Truro High School for Girls with Truro School.

@corriebob No, it's the right school.

Truro School is the one in MIST, Truro High used to be but they left a few years ago. If MIST is in trouble, it will be Truro School that will be in danger, I think that is what pp is referring to.

That makes sense. I knew the two Truros were in the same trust at one point, but THSfG is not listed on MIST's website.

The Trust is not essential to and individual school's financial health. Both schools have healthy enrolments, at least at senior school. I don't know about prep.

I have an indirect contact who has told me that apparently teachers have had their hours reduced and/or have taken a pay cut.

Prep or senior? Staffing will be about the individual school, not the trust (although I am still not sure what trust THSfG is part of).

I don't know if both, but my understanding is certainly senior.

Watching this thread very closely as my daughter goes to the senior school and I've only just seen this post! It has reminded me of something she said to me before the end of term that she heard some teachers chatting about next year and that they would be working reduced hours because of cuts. Obviously the teachers thought that they were on their own but my daughter heard them apparently as she had to go back into school for something or other. Now my daughter wouldn't normally make up something like this so I'm pretty sure it's accurate. I am now really worried that I'm going to have to start looking at alternative school options! Any further information would be greatly received!

I have just checked the charity commission website and although I am not an accountant, I can't see anything particularly concerning in the latest financial statement. Some staffing cuts might be expected if the school wants to keep a tight rein on their expenditure.

It's strange they left the Trust. I know that the Trust expects schools to manage within financial parameters. About 10 years ago they were vulnerable and were encouraged to collaborate more with Truro School on some "back office" stuff that would have maintained their single sex provision, but that was not pursued.

COVID gave both schools a boost but the girls' school always had the smaller market.

Many schools are cutting back hours for staff where possible, it is a sensible policy when school rolls are falling across the sector.