Talbot Heath

Curious

Minds

Generous

Hearts

Adventurous

Spirits

OPEN DAYS

Talbot Heath is a leading independent through school in Dorset that offers girls aged 2-18 an outstanding education within a strong and supportive community.

Tracy Harris

Welcome to our extraordinary school

Our motto at Talbot Heath is ‘Honour before Honours’. It encapsulates the ethos of our school, an ethos that can be found in every aspect of the daily life at our school: discovering who you are, the importance of supporting others and striving to be the very best you can be. When you join Talbot Heath you become part of a unique empowering community where expectations are high and there are no limits to what our girls can achieve.

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Christmas Events 2024

Events

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Talbot Heath marks Remembrance Day 2024

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Message of Hope – Harvest Festival 2024

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Part of the family

It is always good to put a face to a name, here are just a few key staff you may have contact with at Talbot Heath.

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Tracy Harris
Tracy Harris

Head
Tracy Harris

Tracy Harris joins Talbot Heath with a strong background in the leadership of high performing girls’ grammar schools. She has previously held posts as Head of Parkstone Grammar School and Senior Deputy Head of South Wilts Grammar School.

Tracy was raised and educated in the south west, from her childhood upbringing in Christchurch, to reading History at the University of Exeter, where she also studied for her PGCE. She is currently completing an MSc in Psychology to explore cognition and learning, along with child development. In her educational career, Tracy has taught in three other girls’ grammar schools in the area and will bring a wealth of experience to Talbot Heath. Her subject specialisms are in teaching history and politics. She has also been an Ofsted Inspector for eight years and inspected both secondary and all-through schools. In addition Tracy has acted as a School Improvement Advisor for two secondary schools, including a selective school, where she worked with senior leaders and governors on school improvement priorities. Tracy is a keen amateur musician and plays in a brass band performing in concerts and contests.

Tracy has a considerable track record of leading and delivering academic excellence in schools, coupled with outstanding pastoral care and experience of developing a productive vision. She is very excited to be leading the team at Talbot Heath towards the next phase of its rich and exciting journey.

Helen Chapleo

Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning
Helen Chapleo
I started at Talbot Heath as a teacher of Geography and was promoted to Head of Geography/Humanities the following year. My daughter, Katherine, loves Talbot Heath, having been a pupil since Kindergarten. I have enjoyed seeing Geography grow in popularity in recent years and was consequently extremely proud to collect the Geographical Association’s SGQM and Centre of Excellence Awards on behalf of the department. In my new role I aim to build on Talbot Heath’s strengths, supporting staff in the delivery of new specifications, whilst encouraging reflective practice and effective pedagogy.
Ian Cradick

Assistant Head – Academic Management
Ian Cradick
My first position of responsibility at Talbot Heath was the Physics Coordinator. This proved to be a highly rewarding role and a post I held with pride. My new role as Assistant Head (Academic Management) presents many new and exciting opportunities. I look forward to managing the school’s database system and producing the whole school timetable, meeting the needs of the Junior and Senior Schools. Above all I am delighted to be joining the Senior Leadership Team, working to continue to provide a first class education for our students.
Anna Karanja
Anna Karanja

Designated Safeguarding & Behavioural Lead
Liz Pugh

Head of Junior School
Liz Pugh
A graduate of Law and History, passionate teacher and SEN specialist, Mrs Pugh is determined to ensure that the Junior School continues to flourish, with an emphasis on aspirational, active, engaging learning. She attended Parkstone Grammar, it was during this time she swam in the TH pool and was hooked! Mrs Pugh, married with grown up children, sent her daughter to Talbot Heath because of its excellent academic standards and kind, caring family atmosphere. Ten years ago Mrs Pugh joined the staff of Talbot Heath as a Y2 form teacher. She subsequently became a Y5 tutor and SEN coordinator, then Interdisciplinary Lead and since January 2017 Deputy Head of the Junior School, with special responsibility for pastoral care. She is now absolutely thrilled to be taking on the Head of Junior School role. She has a real love of teaching and learning and is committed to enabling every girl in her care to become the very best they can be. Her philosophy in life is to seize every opportunity, try your very best and always treat those around you as you would like to be treated. She is determined to ensure that the Junior School continues to flourish, with an emphasis on aspirational, active, engaging learning, underpinned by compassion and Christian values, thus remaining true to the vision of Mary Broad.
Sarah Breeze

Assistant Head of Junior School (Academic)
Sarah Breeze
My Talbot Heath journey commenced in 2015 when I was delighted to be appointed KS2 Maths Co-ordinator and Year 6 Form Tutor. As a passionate educator, my main aim is to create a supportive learning environment where pupils feel confident and happy to take on challenges – with a good sense of fun! I enjoy nurturing a growth mind set amongst our pupils. The values and skills developed from this are important in all the curriculum areas but most importantly; help prepare our pupils for life beyond school. Talbot Heath is a school that successfully encapsulates both tradition and vision. As a result, I am very excited to be part of a team that develops elements of STEAM within our curriculum and provides different learning opportunities that embrace the ever changing world we live in.
Jo Brown

Assistant Head of Junior School (Pastoral)
Jo Brown
Talbot Heath has always been part of my life, I joined the school at the age of 8, as a junior pupil. Following school I studied at University College London and was then lucky enough to train as a teacher at Talbot Heath. I was then promoted to KS2 Science Lead where I have developed an exciting curriculum using the state of the art facilities we have in order to immerse my pupils in their learning. I have two daughters who both joined Talbot Heath in Kindergarten; my eldest has just left after gaining excellent A Levels and is now off to the University of Bath. As a parent I chose Talbot Heath for its exceptional pastoral care and traditional values as well as an extensive curriculum and sporting opportunities. I am now lucky to be on the school senior leadership team as the Assistant Head Pastoral for Junior School. My main focus is the wellbeing of the pupils and staff. My aim is to develop confident individuals who have the ability to recognise their feelings and manage these in a positive way, improving their self esteem and in turn their willingness to take risks and challenge themselves.
Cecilia Handel

Bursar (COO)
Cecilia Handel
I am delighted to join Talbot Heath School. I started my career as a Secondary School teacher continuing to train as a Chartered Accountant.  I have spent my career at professional services firms KPMG and PwC and for the last decade at International and Independent Schools.  A mother of four, I am passionate about supporting young people, helping to enable them to flourish and make the most of their opportunities. 
Adam Poole

Facilities Manager
Adam Poole
Adam joined Talbot Heath School in 2020 arriving with over 15 years facility management experience in leisure and heritage buildings. As the schools Facility Manager he will encompass multiple disciplines to ensure functionality, safety, security, comfort and efficiency across all school buildings and grounds. Adam has the responsibility for the maintenance, grounds, caretaker, catering and cleaning support service teams to help achieve this. He is a keen sailor and has gained instructor level qualifications in a number of marine and water based activities.
🎅🏻Festive Friday is Coming!🎄 The PSS have planned a fun-filled Festive Friday packed with christmas cheer and activities for all of the girls! Here’s what you need to know: 📅December 13th 🎄Christmas Jumpers or Mufti 🎟️Tokens Available Now! -Each token is worth 50p and can be purchased in advance. (£5-10 per child is recommended) ⭐️ Pay via bank transfer using your child’s name and year as reference: Account Name: Talbot Heath School Parent & Staff Society Sort Code: 30-91-08 Account Number: 06024004 Deadline for token purchases: 5th December Cash can be used on the day! 🎄 All year groups will have an hour to enjoy the festivities during the school day. Here’s some examples of what you can look forward to: Photo Booth: £2 per print, Make Reindeer food, Christmas Tombola, Christmas Bracelets, Teddy Tombola, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, Cake Stall, Santa’s Lucky Dip, Adopt a Teddy, Festive Jars, Eldridge’s Gift Stall, Elf on the Shelf Challenge, Candy Floss Stand and a festive farm with real life animals including a miniature donkey! 🫏 and visits from Father Christmas himself 🎅🏻 We look forward to seeing the girls on Friday 13th December!

🎅🏻Festive Friday is Coming!🎄

The PSS have planned a fun-filled Festive Friday packed with christmas cheer and activities for all of the girls! Here’s what you need to know:

📅December 13th
🎄Christmas Jumpers or Mufti

🎟️Tokens Available Now!
-Each token is worth 50p and can be purchased in advance. (£5-10 per child is recommended)

⭐️ Pay via bank transfer using your child’s name and year as reference:
Account Name: Talbot Heath School Parent & Staff Society
Sort Code: 30-91-08
Account Number: 06024004

Deadline for token purchases: 5th December
Cash can be used on the day!

🎄 All year groups will have an hour to enjoy the festivities during the school day.
Here’s some examples of what you can look forward to: Photo Booth: £2 per print, Make Reindeer food, Christmas Tombola, Christmas Bracelets, Teddy Tombola, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, Cake Stall, Santa’s Lucky Dip, Adopt a Teddy, Festive Jars, Eldridge’s Gift Stall, Elf on the Shelf Challenge, Candy Floss Stand and a festive farm with real life animals including a miniature donkey! 🫏 and visits from Father Christmas himself 🎅🏻

We look forward to seeing the girls on Friday 13th December!

Adventure awaits at Talbot Heath Nursery! Every Friday, our children from age two enjoy Forest School sessions in our stunning woodland, encouraging independence, resilience, and a love of nature. 🌳🍂 Get in touch to learn more about our nature-led learning approach. Book a visit to experience it firsthand! www.talbotheath.org/nursery #TalbotHeathNursery #ChildLedLearning #EarlyYearsEducation #Nursery #Bournemouth #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts #AdventurousSpirits #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning

Adventure awaits at Talbot Heath Nursery! Every Friday, our children from age two enjoy Forest School sessions in our stunning woodland, encouraging independence, resilience, and a love of nature. 🌳🍂

Get in touch to learn more about our nature-led learning approach.
Book a visit to experience it firsthand! www.talbotheath.org/nursery

#TalbotHeathNursery #ChildLedLearning #EarlyYearsEducation #Nursery #Bournemouth #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts #AdventurousSpirits #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning

☕ Coffee & Catch-Up with Our Heads! ☕ Join us for an informal and friendly meeting with our Headteachers, Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Pugh. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect, share thoughts, and enjoy open communication with the school leadership. 📅 Date: Every Friday 🕒 Time: 8.30-9.15am 📍 Location: Head’s Study or the Boarding House (check on site) Your input matters, and we’re here to listen! Let’s strengthen our school community together. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟 #TalbotHeath #ParentCommunity #OpenDialogue #SchoolHeadsCatchUp

☕ Coffee & Catch-Up with Our Heads! ☕

Join us for an informal and friendly meeting with our Headteachers, Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Pugh. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect, share thoughts, and enjoy open communication with the school leadership.

📅 Date: Every Friday 🕒 Time: 8.30-9.15am
📍 Location: Head’s Study or the Boarding House (check on site)

Your input matters, and we’re here to listen! Let’s strengthen our school community together. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

#TalbotHeath #ParentCommunity #OpenDialogue #SchoolHeadsCatchUp

Studying for long periods can be overwhelming. Try the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then repeat! This can help you stay focused and refreshed! 📚 #WellbeingWednesday #StudySmart

Studying for long periods can be overwhelming. Try the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then repeat! This can help you stay focused and refreshed! 📚 #WellbeingWednesday #StudySmart

Our U16 Netball team traveled to Weymouth last week to compete in the Dorset County Finals at Budmouth College, taking on some of the best teams in the region. Drawn into a highly competitive group, the team faced tough matches against BSG, PGS, Sherborne, Gillingham, and Beaminster—and they absolutely rose to the challenge! 🏐 TH vs. BSG: Won 8 - 7 🏐 TH vs. PGS: Narrowly lost 12 - 10 🏐 TH vs. Sherborne: Won 13 - 7 🏐 TH vs. Gillingham: Won 16 - 5 🏐 TH vs. Beaminster: Won 16 - 8 In an incredible display of competitiveness, three teams—TH, BSG, and PGS—were tied for first place, each having lost only one match, with TH scoring the most goals in the group: TH: 63 goals, PGS: 60 goals, BSG: 53 goals However, under England Netball's rules, the standings were determined by goal average rather than total goals scored. Despite tying for first place in match results, our goal average placed us 3rd, meaning we narrowly missed out on a spot in the semi-finals. While this was disappointing, the girls have so much to be proud of, and their determination and spirit were second to none! The focus now shifts to the Sisters in Sport National competition, where the team is ready to bring their best and achieve great things. A huge well done to the girls for reaching the Dorset County Finals and giving it their all! 🌟 Keep up the amazing work—we’re excited to see what you’ll achieve next!

Our U16 Netball team traveled to Weymouth last week to compete in the Dorset County Finals at Budmouth College, taking on some of the best teams in the region. Drawn into a highly competitive group, the team faced tough matches against BSG, PGS, Sherborne, Gillingham, and Beaminster—and they absolutely rose to the challenge!

🏐 TH vs. BSG: Won 8 – 7
🏐 TH vs. PGS: Narrowly lost 12 – 10
🏐 TH vs. Sherborne: Won 13 – 7
🏐 TH vs. Gillingham: Won 16 – 5
🏐 TH vs. Beaminster: Won 16 – 8

In an incredible display of competitiveness, three teams—TH, BSG, and PGS—were tied for first place, each having lost only one match, with TH scoring the most goals in the group: TH: 63 goals, PGS: 60 goals, BSG: 53 goals

However, under England Netball’s rules, the standings were determined by goal average rather than total goals scored. Despite tying for first place in match results, our goal average placed us 3rd, meaning we narrowly missed out on a spot in the semi-finals. While this was disappointing, the girls have so much to be proud of, and their determination and spirit were second to none!

The focus now shifts to the Sisters in Sport National competition, where the team is ready to bring their best and achieve great things.

A huge well done to the girls for reaching the Dorset County Finals and giving it their all! 🌟 Keep up the amazing work—we’re excited to see what you’ll achieve next!

Here’s a mesmerising timelapse video of an Upper 4 pupil demonstrating chromatography, a technique often used in forensic science! Over just 10 minutes, you can see the dyes from three different pens separate as they travel up the paper. The most soluble dyes move the fastest, creating a colorful display of science in action. Brilliant work! 🌈🔬

Pop in & stock up on spare uniform or that warm jumper! Follow the signs to the Pre-Prep building, we look forward to seeing you 🙂

Pop in & stock up on spare uniform or that warm jumper!
Follow the signs to the Pre-Prep building, we look forward to seeing you 🙂

❤️💙Our littlest pupils dive into creativity with exciting materials and imaginative projects. From pirate ships to puppet shows, we foster collaboration and encourage children to express their artistic flair! 🎨✨

Come see their creativity in action at our open events!
📆 Feb 27th 2025 – Nursery, Pre School & Junior School (age 2-11) Open Morning
📆 March 24th 2025 – Nursery and Pre School (age 2-4) Open Morning

A warm welcome and an exciting future awaits! 💙❤️

https://www.talbotheath.org/open-days-and-tours/

#EarlyYearsEducation #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts #AdventurousSpirits #ActiveLearning #talbotheathschool #ThroughSchool #EYFS #Kindergarten #Nursery #InfantSchool #PrimarySchool #PreSchool #JuniorSchool #Bournemouth #Poole

Here’s a glimpse of how we celebrated Diwali this week! 🌟✨ From vibrant decorations to a feast of delicious traditional dishes, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the culture of this special festival. Thank you Holroyd Howe for making such a delicious lunch! 🪔🎉 #DiwaliCelebration

U43P finished their study of plate tectonics by creating some 3D models of composite and shield volcanoes, some even showing features such as the magma chamber and main vent. Their inter-disciplinary skills shone through, with volcanoes being crafted in Lego, expanding foam, clay, paper mache and even chocolate cake. Particular mention goes to Isla H, Lucy S, Efthalia M & Elkie S who were able to trigger eruptions with a combination of bicarb, vinegar and raspberry coulis. Well done everyone, for embracing the volcano challenge! Mrs Chapleo 🌋🧪🍰

U43P finished their study of plate tectonics by creating some 3D models of composite and shield volcanoes, some even showing features such as the magma chamber and main vent. Their inter-disciplinary skills shone through, with volcanoes being crafted in Lego, expanding foam, clay, paper mache and even chocolate cake. Particular mention goes to Isla H, Lucy S, Efthalia M & Elkie S who were able to trigger eruptions with a combination of bicarb, vinegar and raspberry coulis.
Well done everyone, for embracing the volcano challenge! Mrs Chapleo 🌋🧪🍰

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