Cllr James Tucker (Conservative), Tregolls Ward

Cornwall’s capital and cultural heart, Truro offers more than cathedral spires and cobbled provincial charm; it offers a vision of learning that’s as diverse as it is ambitious. As one of Cornwall’s most affluent cities, Truro has a duty to ensure that each child from every corner of the city has access to opportunity, aspiration and the tools to thrive.

Truro is home to Cornwall’s leading institutions which stand as beacons of inclusive excellence, nurturing confidence, creativity and compassion. It’s where academic rigour meets real-world relevance, and it leads the way in apprenticeship achievement (learning by doing). These aren’t fallback options - they’re dynamic routes into skilled careers.

My own 16-year-old son recently deciding for himself to earn while he learns, supported by expert tutors and local employers who understand the value of hands-on experience. It’s like being part of a global classroom.

Supporting apprenticeships allows businesses to cultivate a skilled, loyal and ready workforce for the global arena, investing in the long-term resilience of their industry and community. Truro’s apprenticeship landscape reflects a city investing in its future.

A retired friend who worked in secondary education explained how important it is that education isn’t just about grades - it’s about giving children what they need to flourish. These people in our institutions listening to our children’s dreams, offering flexible pathways and creating environments where curiosity is celebrated is paramount; they are nurturing aspirations, not just outcomes and inviting exploration beyond the textbook.

We also need to recognise that some children thrive in structured academic settings, while others excel through vocational learning or creative expression. Truro’s blend of private, state and alternative education ensures that no child is boxed in, for those who choose not to tread the trodden line – you have my admiration.

Our affluent generation must be the ones who open doors rather than close them, and we must support schools, colleges and training providers that believe in every learner. That means investing in mentoring and recognising those who offer inclusive excellence, thus ensuring that every child - whether they dream of becoming a scientist, chef, teacher or artist - has the chance to pursue that dream.

Truro is not just a city of learning; it’s a city of possibility. Let’s make sure the next generation knows it.