Polwhele House

Polwhele House is more than just a prep school. It is a special place: a warm, happy community in which children can develop the widest range of skills. The approach is friendly and caring and one in which excellence is valued and sought after. The school’s prime aim is for every pupil to fulfill their potential in every way.

Ask the parents what makes Polwhele House such a special place and they say “the strong family atmosphere, the high expectations and the location - with its wide open spaces. It is a wonderful and safe environment for our children.”

Ask the boys and girls and they say “our friends and the teachers, the outdoors and the extra activities.”

The school is forward-looking, whilst strongly emphasising traditional values. Come and see for yourself what it is that makes us special.

Polwhele House is an independent school for boys and girls, providing uninterrupted education for those important years from three to the start of adolescence. It is the School at which the Choristers of Truro Cathedral are educated and is a Christian, non-denominational school.

Polwhele House incorporates a Pre-Preparatory School for children between the ages of three and seven , and a Preparatory School for seven to thirteen plus. Pupils can be day, weekly boarding or day boarding.

Throughout their time in the school, the social development of the child is carefully nurtured to help them to become confident, considerate and polite young people. Each pupil has the opportunity to develop and extend his or her personality within a disciplined, yet caring family environment.

We believe the education of a child is most successful when teachers and parents work closely together. We therefore encourage parents and teachers to establish a good liaison at school. Parents are invited to a variety of functions during the year, including Christmas carol services, sports days, prize giving, school plays and concerts. Parents are welcome to become involved in out of school activities, expeditions and field trips. All parents and staff are automatically members of the Polwhele House Society, which organises various functions and regular events.

The school seeks to combine modern teaching methods with the best of traditional values. Irrelevant comparison with the attainment of others is discouraged in order to build a sense of self-worth. Importance is placed on individual progress and we aim to foster the growth of each person. Polwhele House values each child and a strong team of skilled and caring staff are able to devote a great deal of time to every pupil. Founded for boys and girls, we believe that co-education at this stage provides the natural and mutually challenging context to prepare for their integrated and equal roles in the real world. The school has a fine record of academic achievement throughout its history and an increasing reputation for achieving excellent all-round results in a happy, purposeful atmosphere, with small classes and good parent teacher relationships.

Children from Polwhele House go on to a variety of schools. Most leave with an awareness of themselves and a degree of poise that helps them to adjust well in any social or school situation. The headmaster makes a point of visiting schools to which pupils may go when they leave Polwhele House, so that he is able to help parents with their final choice.

The school is a member of ISA, ISC and the Choir Schools’ Association.

To provide a friendly, stimulating and caring environment where every child feels valued and involved.

To provide a thorough and appropriate academic education, enabling every child to achieve his or her full potential.

To provide a broad range of opportunity so that every child finds areas of activity in which they can shine and/or take pleasure.

To foster strong moral values within a Christian framework.

To equip our pupils, in the broadest sense, for the next stage of their education.