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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Pre-Prep Disco

Events

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Senior Mathematics Challenge Results 2024

News

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Gladiator ‘Steel’ Visits Talbot Heath

   Workshops focused on developing confidence, self-belief, analysing body language, having a growth mindset and the importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The…

News

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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

Headteacher
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.

🌟 Exciting News from Talbot Heath School! 🌟

We’re thrilled to share some updates for families choosing care for their daughter:

✨ Launching January 2025 – Our New Nursery!
Welcoming children from age 2, our nurturing and creative environment is the perfect place for your little ones to start their learning journey.

✨ Limited Places for Reception & Year 1 – September 2025 Start
Secure your place! We’re now accepting applications for Reception and Year 1, offering a unique and inspiring education that builds confidence and creativity. Apply for your child’s place before February half term.

✨ Honeybees Family & Toddler Group
Join our buzzing community! Designed for families with babies 0-4, Honeybees offers a warm, welcoming space to play, explore, and make new friends.

🔍 To learn more and discover why Talbot Heath is the perfect fit for your family, visit our website or book on to an open event. https://www.talbotheath.org/open-days-and-tours/

We can’t wait to meet you! ❤️💙

#TalbotHeathSchool #FamilyCommunity #Nursery #PreSchool #ToddlerGroup #EarlyEducation Dorsetmums Family Friendly Events

🎾🏆 👏🇬🇧 Fantastic weekend of tennis at the National Finals in Bolton. Talbot Heath U15s runners up and U13 national Champions! Congratulations to all 🤩 🏆 👏 🎾 🇬🇧 @west_hants_club @LTACompetitions

🎾🏆 👏🇬🇧 Fantastic weekend of tennis at the National Finals in Bolton. Talbot Heath U15s runners up and U13 national Champions! Congratulations to all 🤩 🏆 👏 🎾 🇬🇧

@west_hants_club @LTACompetitions

Good luck to the girls today at the National Finals. Competing for 1st/2nd. Go Team TH! 🇬🇧 🎾 No.2 Tennis School in GB always making us proud! @TalbotHeathSch @LTACompetitions @west_hants_club

Good luck to the girls today at the National Finals. Competing for 1st/2nd. Go Team TH! 🇬🇧 🎾 No.2 Tennis School in GB always making us proud!
@TalbotHeathSch @LTACompetitions @west_hants_club

❤️💙At Talbot Heath, our curriculum opens young minds to the wonders of the world around them. Children explore seasonal changes in our wonderful outdoors, discover different cultures, and learn the importance of roles within their community—from meeting our on-site nurses to welcoming local professionals. Engaging French sessions bring language to life, and celebrations like Chinese New Year and Diwali help children embrace diversity. By anchoring our teaching approach in curiosity and open-mindedness, we lay the groundwork for a rich and rewarding learning experience. 🌎🌸✨

Join us to see our world of learning!

📆 Feb 27th 2025 – Nursery, Pre School & Junior School (age 2-11) Open Morning
📆 Jan 27th and 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

🌪️ Just because Storm Bert decided to pay us a visit last weekend, didn't mean fun was cancelled in boarding! 🤩 Crossword quizzes, clay modelling Christmas decorations and painting a sign to remind Santa to come visit us at St Mary's.🎅🏻🎄 All of our students are so smart, and it's a pleasure to see the amazing things they create! We topped off the weekend with a cinema trip to see the new Wicked movie - another great weekend in boarding! #iloveboarding #THSchBoarding #Boarding #BoardingSchool #Bournemouth #FullBoarding #WeeklyBoarding #FlexiBoarding

🌪️ Just because Storm Bert decided to pay us a visit last weekend, didn’t mean fun was cancelled in boarding! 🤩 Crossword quizzes, clay modelling Christmas decorations and painting a sign to remind Santa to come visit us at St Mary’s.🎅🏻🎄
All of our students are so smart, and it’s a pleasure to see the amazing things they create! We topped off the weekend with a cinema trip to see the new Wicked movie – another great weekend in boarding!

#iloveboarding #THSchBoarding #Boarding #BoardingSchool #Bournemouth #FullBoarding #WeeklyBoarding #FlexiBoarding

The first batch of Year 8 USB-powered lamps rolled off the production line this week in the Design Room. This year, Talbot Heath introduced a brand-new KS3 Design curriculum, equipping students with essential skills in designing and making. It provides hands-on experience with a variety of tools and machinery, enabling them to create exciting and innovative projects. As part of their studies, Year 8 pupils have been designing and constructing their own desk lamps. They began by cutting and shaping plywood to create the lamp structure, developing their woodworking techniques. Next, they delved into basic electronics, soldering their own PCBs to power a USB powered LED light. Each lamp was completed with a custom-made lamp shade, designed to suit a specific target market, showcasing the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. Considering this is the first time these pupils have studied Design, their work has been outstanding! Featured here are fantastic lamp designs by Imogen, Holly, and Niamh. 🤩👏🏼

The first batch of Year 8 USB-powered lamps rolled off the production line this week in the Design Room. This year, Talbot Heath introduced a brand-new KS3 Design curriculum, equipping students with essential skills in designing and making. It provides hands-on experience with a variety of tools and machinery, enabling them to create exciting and innovative projects.

As part of their studies, Year 8 pupils have been designing and constructing their own desk lamps. They began by cutting and shaping plywood to create the lamp structure, developing their woodworking techniques. Next, they delved into basic electronics, soldering their own PCBs to power a USB powered LED light. Each lamp was completed with a custom-made lamp shade, designed to suit a specific target market, showcasing the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills.

Considering this is the first time these pupils have studied Design, their work has been outstanding! Featured here are fantastic lamp designs by Imogen, Holly, and Niamh. 🤩👏🏼

🎾 We are incredibly proud to be the No.2 Tennis School in GB 🇬🇧 🎾 This weekend we and @west_hants_club are wishing our awesome tennis teams the best of luck, our U13 and U15 teams are both competing in the national finals. You’ve got this! 💪

🎾 We are incredibly proud to be the No.2 Tennis School in GB 🇬🇧

🎾 This weekend we and @west_hants_club are wishing our awesome tennis teams the best of luck, our U13 and U15 teams are both competing in the national finals. You’ve got this! 💪

🏊🏼‍♀️🍀 Good luck to all our swimmers who have qualified for the South West ISA Team and will be competing in the National Finals in London today! 🍀🏊🏼‍♀️

🏊🏼‍♀️🍀 Good luck to all our swimmers who have qualified for the South West ISA Team and will be competing in the National Finals in London today! 🍀🏊🏼‍♀️

🎄✨ Festive Reminders 🎅🎶 ⭐️ *Wreath-Making Sessions – Friday, 6th December* Final bookings (Adults Only / Adult & Child) close this weekend! Limited spaces available, so be quick! 🎀🌲 Book here - https://www.pta-events.co.uk/talbotheathpss/index.cfm?event=Shop ⭐️ *Carols on the Green – 6th December at 3:15 PM* No booking needed. Join us on Boarders Green with refreshments available to purchase. 🍰☕ *Cake/biscuit donations* can be dropped off by 5th December to either office. ⭐️ *Festive Friday** – **13th December** Pre-book your tokens now and save those last-minute piggy bank raids! *Payment Details:* - Account Name:Talbot Heath School Parent & Staff Society - Sort Code: 30-91-08 - Account Number: 06024004 - Reference: Child’s Name & Year Deadline for token purchases - 5th December. Cash will also be accepted on the day. 🎪 *Activities include:* - 📸 **Photo Booth** (£2/print) - 🦌 **Make Reindeer Food** - 🎁 **Christmas Tombola** - 🧸 **Teddy Tombola** - 🎯 **Pin the Nose on the Reindeer** - 🎅 **Santa’s Lucky Dip** - 🐾 **Festive Farm** (with real-life animals, including a miniature donkey! 🫏) - And much more… including visits from Father Christmas himself! 🎄🎅 Let’s make it a festive season to remember! 🎉✨

🎄✨ Festive Reminders 🎅🎶

⭐️ *Wreath-Making Sessions – Friday, 6th December*
Final bookings (Adults Only / Adult & Child) close this weekend! Limited spaces available, so be quick! 🎀🌲
Book here – https://www.pta-events.co.uk/talbotheathpss/index.cfm?event=Shop

⭐️ *Carols on the Green – 6th December at 3:15 PM*
No booking needed. Join us on Boarders Green with refreshments available to purchase. 🍰☕
*Cake/biscuit donations* can be dropped off by 5th December to either office.

⭐️ *Festive Friday** – **13th December**
Pre-book your tokens now and save those last-minute piggy bank raids!
*Payment Details:*
– Account Name:Talbot Heath School Parent & Staff Society
– Sort Code: 30-91-08
– Account Number: 06024004
– Reference: Child’s Name & Year
Deadline for token purchases – 5th December. Cash will also be accepted on the day.

🎪 *Activities include:*
– 📸 **Photo Booth** (£2/print)
– 🦌 **Make Reindeer Food**
– 🎁 **Christmas Tombola**
– 🧸 **Teddy Tombola**
– 🎯 **Pin the Nose on the Reindeer**
– 🎅 **Santa’s Lucky Dip**
– 🐾 **Festive Farm** (with real-life animals, including a miniature donkey! 🫏)
– And much more… including visits from Father Christmas himself! 🎄🎅

Let’s make it a festive season to remember! 🎉✨

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting their next parent webinar on resilience on December 3rd. Elevate will be working with our year 10 and 11 students next February, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school. Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to recover from a knock to their confidence. Whether that’s a disappointing grade, exam slip-up, or a less-than-perfect report. Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night: ✅ Practical strategies to help your child manage their response to setbacks ✅ Building your child’s resilience both in and out of school ✅ How ‘fear of failure’ can impact your child’s resilience Register for free here: https://go.elevateeducation.com/ukschoolwebinar

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting their next parent webinar on resilience on December 3rd.

Elevate will be working with our year 10 and 11 students next February, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.

Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to recover from a knock to their confidence. Whether that’s a disappointing grade, exam slip-up, or a less-than-perfect report.

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
✅ Practical strategies to help your child manage their response to setbacks
✅ Building your child’s resilience both in and out of school
✅ How ‘fear of failure’ can impact your child’s resilience

Register for free here: https://go.elevateeducation.com/ukschoolwebinar

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