Talbot Heath

One of Dorset’s longest-serving head teachers is to step down after nearly 20 years in the role. 

Christine Dipple, Headmistress of Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth, is to take early retirement at the end of the current academic year in July 2010.

Announcing her departure in a letter to parents, Mrs Dipple said the decision was made with “mixed emotions.” 

She added: “I have been privileged to be Head of Talbot Heath and have thoroughly enjoyed watching generations of girls grow up to take their place in world; a world which has changed considerably since my appointment in 1990. 

“My successor will find a successful school where warm relationships between teachers, pupils and parents contribute to a happy and nurturing environment.” 

Mrs Dipple, 54, is the sixth headmistress in Talbot Heath’s 123-year history. She officially took up the post in 1991.  

The position of headmistress is due to be advertised at the end of this month (September). The school’s governing body is planning to appoint Mrs Dipple’s successor by December.

“I shall, of course, do all I can to support the governors as they find the right person to lead the school into the future and ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for all concerned,” Mrs Dipple said in her letter to parents.

Simon Tong, Talbot Heath’s Chairman of Governors, said: “Christine Dipple’s contribution to the story of Talbot Heath will always be written in letters of gold. 

“The school community past and present owes her an enormous debt of gratitude. We respect her wish to share more time with her recently retired husband, and must now turn our minds to the important task of appointing a worthy successor.”

Talbot Heath, which has 600 students, celebrated a 100 per cent A-level pass rate this year with 81 per cent of girls taking the exam achieving ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades. The school also recorded a 99.9 per cent GCSE pass rate with 71 per cent achieving A* or A grades. 

22^nd September 2009