Cornwall


<p><em>From championing girls&#8217; confidence and character to embracing innovation without losing sight of tradition, Nicola Dudley shares her vision for the next chapter at Truro High School for Girls. We asked her about the lessons she&#8217;s learned as a school leader, what excites her most about joining Cornwall&#8217;s only independent girls&#8217; school, and the values she&#8217;ll be bringing to the role.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Nicola Dudley Truro High School for Girls" class="wp-image-41178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-Truro-High-School-for-Girls.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-long-have-you-been-at-truro-high-school-for-girls-where-were-you-before-truro-high-school-for-girls-and-how-long-were-you-there">How long have you been at Truro High School for Girls? Where were you before Truro High School for Girls (and how long were you there?)</h2>



<p>I am due to take up post in September, so I am not yet in school. Most recently I have been based in Edinburgh.</p>



<p>Throughout my career I have held a range of roles in education, including Deputy Head and Headship positions in UK and international schools, Deputy Director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools with responsibility for teacher training and continuing professional development, and Director of Education for a group of international schools.</p>



<p>I began my career as a languages teacher and have worked in education ever since.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-impressions-what-attracted-you-to-truro-high-school-for-girls">First impressions? What attracted you to Truro High School for Girls?</h2>



<p>My first impression was of a very warm school with a strong sense of community and a real family ethos.</p>



<p>Having been educated in all-girls schools myself and worked in them in my previous two Headships, that was a key attraction. I have seen how girls thrive in those environments, becoming confident, engaged and willing to take on opportunities.</p>



<p>I was also drawn to the small scale and feel of the school. It is clearly a busy place, and to its holistic approach, where academics are important but sit alongside wider development and opportunity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-top-three-things-to-tackle-in-your-inbox">What are the top three things to tackle in your inbox?</h2>



<p>First and foremost is communication and connection with pupils, staff and parents, making sure I am responsive and present in the school community.</p>



<p>Secondly is the day-to-day running of the school, ensuring things are dealt with and decisions are made.</p>



<p>And thirdly is maintaining a strategic focus, so that while the day can be very operational, there is still space to think ahead and keep the school moving forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-second-elevator-pitch-for-your-school-sell-it">30-second elevator pitch for your school – sell it!</h2>



<p>In simple terms: A wonderfully warm, friendly school, where girls work hard and play hard in equal measure, and each individual girl is inspired and empowered to follow her passions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-would-star-as-nicola-dudley-in-the-movie-of-your-life">Who would star as Nicola Dudley in the movie of your life?</h2>



<p>Sophie Raworth &#8211; ok, so she’s a journalist, not a Hollywood actress, but I have recently read her book <em>Running on Air</em> and can relate to her love of running, balanced with her drive, in personal and professional life.&nbsp; Earlier this year, I ran briefly alongside her during a particularly muddy ultra-marathon; the next day I saw her back in professional mode on the BBC Six O’Clock news.&nbsp; I sometimes think I too lead a double life &#8211; a&nbsp;Head&nbsp;during term time, offset by my love of adventure in my free time. But I have increasingly come to realise that the one complements and supports the other and my adventures are part of who I am as a&nbsp;Head.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-ve-been-given-a-1m-donation-for-truro-high-school-for-girls-what-will-you-spend-it-on">You’ve been given a £1m donation for Truro High School for Girls – what will you spend it on?</h2>



<p>I would want to spend time in the school first and understand the priorities properly before making any decision.</p>



<p>The first months are about listening and getting beneath the surface of the school. It might be bursary support, it might be facilities, or something else entirely, but I would not want to decide without understanding what would make the biggest difference.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-your-own-childhood-school-days">Describe your own childhood school days.</h2>



<p>I went to all-girls schools throughout my education and spent seven years at boarding school from the age of 11 to 18. I was very happy at school. I worked hard, but I also played hard and made the most of the opportunities available. That experience shaped my work ethic and my confidence to take opportunities as they come.</p>



<p>When I have found myself in challenging situations later in life, I have found myself reflecting on how my own school experiences set me up to embrace these opportunities without any perceived barriers. More recently, I completed the Marathon des Sables — a 270km race across the Sahara over seven days, carrying everything I needed. It was a very different challenge, but it reinforced something I have always believed: you often find you are capable of more than you think.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-THSFG-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Nicola Dudley after completing the Marathon des Sables" class="wp-image-41176" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-THSFG-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-THSFG-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-THSFG-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/06/Nicola-Dudley-THSFG.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nicola Dudley after completing the Marathon des Sables</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-the-common-theme-of-nicola-dudley-s-school-reports">What was the common theme of Nicola Dudley’s school reports?</h2>



<p>Hard work. I was consistently described as hardworking. Things didn’t always come easily, but I always put the effort in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-and-worst-subject-at-school">Best and worst subject at school?</h2>



<p>Languages were among my strongest and most enjoyable subjects, which is why I went on to study French and German at university. But it wasn’t always the case. When I started senior school, I had not previously studied a modern language, unlike my peers. I remember struggling with French in the early years, always feeling I was behind. Then I went off on a French exchange for two weeks, came back and achieved my highest exam result in French and that was me set with my love of languages for life. I would describe myself as an all-rounder rather than having a clear “worst” subject.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-you-go-to-university">Where did you go to university?</h2>



<p>Jesus College, Oxford, where I studied French and German.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-your-high-and-low-of-student-life">What was your high and low of student life?</h2>



<p>A real highlight was being part of the chapel choir. It gave me a strong sense of community and belonging, and included opportunities such as tours and performances.</p>



<p>It reinforced the importance of having something alongside academic study that gives balance and connection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-weren-t-a-head-what-would-you-be">If you weren’t a Head, what would you be?</h2>



<p>I have always worked in education and genuinely enjoy school environments. Even when I have worked in wider leadership roles, I have been drawn back to schools. I don’t spend time wishing I was doing something else.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-what-s-on-your-work-desk">Describe what’s on your work desk.</h2>



<p>Usually a fairly messy pile of paperwork, I tend to have things spread out while I am working through them. I admit I still like working with paper copies, not just on a screen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-what-s-in-the-top-drawer">And what’s in the top drawer?</h2>



<p>A handwritten “scribble” diary, which I use alongside my digital calendar. It contains notes, to-do lists and anything I need to capture during the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-your-favourite-books-in-childhood-university-and-now">Tell us your favourite books – in childhood, university and now.</h2>



<p>One book I return to regularly is <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>, which I first read at school and have revisited many times since.</p>



<p>More recently, I have been reading books around endurance sport and mindset which I find fascinating. Before the Marathon des Sables, I read <em>Runner</em> by Lizzy Hawker, which explores the psychology and resilience behind endurance running.</p>



<p>Running is something I use to switch off and maintain balance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-school-trip-you-ve-ever-been-on">What’s the best school trip you’ve ever been on?</h2>



<p>As a pupil, I went on an incredible choir tour with school to Venice and Florence.&nbsp; I still have very vivid memories of singing in the most beautiful churches, including the Duomo in Florence.&nbsp; School trips really can leave a lifelong impact.</p>



<p>As a teacher, I have supported some amazing outdoor adventure trips, where it is incredible to see pupils rise to the challenge and really grow through the experience.&nbsp; I am a huge advocate of the power of outdoor experiences to support personal development.&nbsp; I remember particularly well a canoeing expedition in the Northwest Territories in Canada &#8211; it was once in a lifetime experience for all involved; another great trip was hiking up Toubkal in Morocco with a group of 15-16 year olds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-play-book-and-film-should-be-on-every-child-s-cultural-bucket-list">What play, book and film should be on every child’s cultural bucket list?</h2>



<p>It is hard to narrow down, there are so many!&nbsp; The musical/film of <em>The Lion King</em> is brilliant, fun, full of energy, great songs and important messages. <em>War Horse</em> by Michael Morpurgo is a very moving book and the live performance is incredible. I think back to some of the books I enjoyed most as a child, and remember becoming completely immersed in their enchanting world&nbsp; &#8211; <em>Wind in the Willows</em>, <em>The Secret Garden</em>,&nbsp;<em>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</em> and more.&nbsp; They are all timeless classics &#8211; this makes me want to go back and revisit them!&nbsp; As an adult I have still enjoyed getting caught up in the fantasy of Harry Potter.&nbsp; I could go on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-want-to-hide-from-the-children-and-staff-for-half-an-hour-where-do-you-go">If you want to hide from the children and staff for half an hour, where do you go?</h2>



<p>I don’t really “hide” as such; I tend to change environment. Sometimes that might mean going outside, watching a sports fixture, or wandering around the school. Often just a change of setting is enough. In fact, finding joy in interacting with the children can be the best escape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-song-you-sing-at-full-volume-when-everyone-s-gone-home">What’s the song you sing at full volume when everyone’s gone home?</h2>



<p>I don’t have a specific song, but I often listen to Scottish folk music when I want to unwind. It reminds me of home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-a-younger-nicola-dudley-and-to-your-current-students">What advice would you give to a younger Nicola Dudley? And to your current students?</h2>



<p>You never know what opportunities are around the corner, so it is important to embrace them when they come.</p>



<p>Looking back, I could never have predicted the path my career or life would take: from working overseas to leading international schools, or completing the Marathon des Sables at 50. None of those things were planned; they came from being open to opportunities and saying yes when they arose.</p>



<p>When I visited the school recently and gave my opening assembly, I showed pupils a photograph of myself at the finish line in the desert after a sandstorm. I told them that when I was sitting where they are now, I would never have imagined doing something like that.</p>



<p>The key message is that growth happens step by step. Each challenge stretches you a little further, and over time that builds capability and confidence.</p>



<p>So my advice is: work hard, stay open, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. You are capable of more than you think.</p>



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<p><strong><em>Truro High School for Girls is Cornwall&#8217;s only independent girls&#8217; school, welcoming girls aged 3–18 to its city-centre campus in Truro. Combining outstanding academic achievement with exceptional pastoral care, the school empowers girls to thrive with confidence, curiosity and compassion in a supportive all-girls environment. <a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/truro-high-school-for-girls-truro-cornwall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read our review here</a>.</em></strong></p>



<p><strong>Truro High School for Girls, Falmouth Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2HU. Tel: 01872 272763</strong></p>


Heads Up! Muddy Meets Nicola Dudley, Truro High School for Girls

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