Tennis Academy
The Talbot Heath Tennis Academy Programme runs in conjunction with the renowned West Hants Club, which has a reputation for producing National and International standard players. We are currently the 4th Tennis School in the UK for Girls, with 8 Academy Girls having played at Junior Wimbledon in recent history.
Individual player programmes are devised around the girl’s academic timetables.The programme offers a fantastic opportunity for any girl to pursue their tennis aspiration within an outstanding academic school.
Tennis Academy pupils from outside the area can enjoying living amongst team-mates and Talbot Heath day pupils, in our award winning Boarding House, where friendships flourish in a small friendly environment. Pupils not only thrive in their tennis career, but perform well in class, are extremely well cared for and supported.
The West Hants Club, situated just half a mile from Talbot Heath School, is an LTA Regional Player Development Centre and one of the leading Performance Centres in the country. We offer private transport to and from the club, all matches and school tournaments so no time is wasted travelling.
Overview
The Academy programme is offered as a 5 year programme (year 7-11) with annual reviews and a comprehensive review in year 9 prior to GCSE options, following which, there is the option to continue for a further 2 years, assessed against new criteria.
All candidates will be expected in the long term to follow an academic route of a recommended 7 GCSE’s and at least 2 A Levels. The curriculum for each pupil is dependent upon each individual’s circumstances.
Each candidate will make their own choice with regards to academic options in line with the School’s recommendations and approval. All tennis academy players have achieved at least 7 GCSEs, attaining 90% A*- B grades.
Players accepted into the Tennis Academy may receive up to 25% discount on the tuition fees set by the school.
Players will follow a tennis/fitness programme which will include a minimum 12 hours of training split between school hours and after school. Each programme will be scheduled around individual requirements and circumstances.
This could include 2 individual, 5 hours of group tennis and 5 hours of group strength and conditioning which will be agreed with all parties. Additional hours can be added to the programme if required.
Many girls have represented GB in international tournaments – the programme and the school offer the flexibility to compete in these events.
Key Features
- Fitness testing 3 times a year to evaluate overall fitness and conditioning levels.
- A muscular-skeletal screening to assess any muscle imbalances and provide appropriate exercises to address any issues.
- Complimentary membership at The West Hants Club.
- Academy clothing for all players – Players will receive a £100 contribution towards this.
- Advice on tournament planning and an agreed tournament schedule.
- Regular player development meetings.
- Day to day management/advice on the player’s tennis programme and termly progress reports.
- Individual tutor support to manage tennis and academic commitments.
West Hants Club
The club boasts some of the best tennis facilities in England which include:
- 20 tournament standard courts, 8 indoor (6 acrylic, 2 clay) and additional facilities at Bournemouth Gardens.
- 2 air conditioned fitness studios
- Two high performance Gymnasiums
- Heated indoor Swimming Pool
- Lecture/Meeting rooms
- Padel Tennis and Squash Courts
Stats
2023:
- Dorset Tennis School of the Year.
2022:
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships 6th Place.
- 2 x players competed at the 2022 16U National Championships.
- Multiple TH players competing at Tennis Europe and ITF level.
- Runner Up Year 8 National Finals
2021:
- Year 8 National Schools Champions.
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships 13th Place.
- 4th Ranked Tennis School in UK
2019:
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships Runners Up.
- 4th Ranked Tennis School in the UK.
- 2 players at Junior Wimbledon.
2018:
- Year 8 National Schools Runners Up.
- Year 10 National Schools Runners Up.
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships Runners Up.
- 2nd Ranked Tennis School in the UK.
- 2 players at Junior Wimbledon.
2017:
- Year 8 National Schools Runners Up.
- Year 10 National Schools Champions.
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships Winners.
- No. 1 Ranked Tennis School in the UK.
- 2 x players at Junior Wimbledon.
2016:
- Year 8 National Schools Champions.
- Year 10 National Schools Champions.
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships Runners Up.
- No. 1 Ranked Tennis school in the UK.
- 2 x players at Junior Wimbledon.
Lauren John-Baptiste
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
Being a part of the tennis academy and attending Talbot Heath school was a great experience. I liked the diversity of coming in and out of school; it gave me a different perspective as it was something I hadn’t experienced before. The way the programme was organized and maintained was very effective, and really helped me to enjoy going to and from tennis practice and school.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
The highlight for me was when we travelled to Qatar to play the World School Finals, as result of winning the Aberdare Cup. The fact that we were not only representing Talbot Heath and West Hants, but also representing England, made it even more special. It was, and still is, one my favourite trips and something I will never forget. Being able to travel with my teammates and staff to such an amazing destination, I realised how lucky I was to be a part of the TH Tennis academy.
How was life in the boarding house?
I boarded for the whole five years I attended Talbot Heath. The staff were able to make the boarding house feel like a family environment, by eating together, celebrating cultural traditions, celebrating holidays and birthdays, as well as providing unconditional care. I really enjoyed boarding because I was around a lot of people who were my peers and close friends.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
Being a tennis player meant travelling and missing school. Despite this being a challenging aspect to obtaining good grades and competing at high levels, the teachers and staff members at Talbot Heath really helped to provide the resources that we needed. They were quick to answer questions and make sure we were aware of important dates we would possibly miss and how to make up for missed work. They consistently focused on every student’s ability to succeed and really helped me individually to attain my full potential, regardless of whether I was in class, another county or another country competing.
What are you doing now? What’s your greatest tennis achievement to date?
Currently, I attend Arizona State University in America. I recently started my second year and I’m really excited to continue playing at a high level as well as continuing to pursue an education and expand my knowledge as an individual, athlete, and student. Within the college tennis system, I have an individual ranking of 46 in the nation and a doubles ranking of 8 in the nation with my partner here at ASU. One of my greatest achievements was winning the National under 18s singles and doubles tournament.
I would just like to thank Talbot Heath and the academy for their support during my time with them and the continuous support they still show me. Both Talbot Heath and West Hants really gave me the best chance to practice amongst great players and coaches, and obtain an education at a top school. My experience is something that I am thankful for and I am exceedingly proud to have been a part of something so memorable.
Esther Adeshina
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
I love the friendships that you make as well as the support received by not only friends but coaches and teachers, it’s great knowing that you have a whole support team behind you, not just your parents. The tennis girls all get on well and always support each other as well as wanting the best for each other, which I think is great as it really shows in the team events that we compete in.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was definitely being part of the team that won the Aberdare Cup for the school to qualify to play for England in my first year, I was so excited but wasn’t happy when I found out I was too young to travel to Qatar with the team! My other highlight was playing Junior Wimbledon for the first time last year, it was amazing.
How was life in the boarding house?
I absolutely loved boarding, especially when I first started. The boarding house staff were extremely nice and welcoming and I had a few older girls to look up to and they were always there for me. I also enjoyed the social side to boarding as there were lots of different activities to do every day after school.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
I think I coped well with balancing the studies and tennis. There were times when it was tough because I had travelled to tournaments and hadn’t been at school for 2-3 weeks straight and coming back I was behind. The teachers always offered to give me extra help during free times and lunchtimes and they gave me catch up work before I left. My tennis revolved around school so if I felt like I needed more time to catch up on work then I would miss a couple of training sessions as school work would take priority.
Everyone has their individual programme which consists of a tennis, strength and conditioning. On average I play 2-3 hours a day with an hour of fitness incorporated into the day as well. It’s a flexible programme which fits perfectly with my school work.
Dr & Mrs Adeshina, Esther’s Parents
Esther has thrived in Talbot Heath, the support and encouragement that she has received from the school has been invaluable. She has made tremendous progress in her tennis and academic studies and it has been value for money.
Abbie, Year 10
What do you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
I love combining a great education whilst playing tennis. I love fitness sessions and my individual sessions with Rob, they are fab and I can see my improvements.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was winning the National Schools final in Bolton.
How was life in the boarding house?
I boarded last year, I had an amazing time with my friends. I’m good friends with girls in my year and particularly close to the other academy players. We do individual strength and conditioning sessions targeted around what we each need to work on, for example endurance, strength, speed and agility.
Erin, Year 13
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
What I love about the academy is that I get to play and improve at the sport I love whilst still not missing out on getting a great education at school. I’ve made some great friendships with the girls in the academy as we’re all in the same position and see each other so often that we all naturally become quite close.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight individually has been getting to play in the main draw of Junior Wimbledon and winning first round of doubles. But my team highlight would be being part of the team that won the Aberdare Cup in 2017.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
Balancing tennis and my studies can definitely be demanding, especially doing A-levels and with the amount I go away, but the school is really understanding of the position I’m in, so are really good at helping me keep on top of everything and catching up with all the missed work. I truly appreciate the support we are given in this respect.
Amelia, Year 8
What do you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
I love having the opportunity to go on lots of trips with the Tennis Academy.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was representing Talbot Heath at the Aberdare Cup.
How was life in the boarding house?
I love boarding, everybody is really welcoming and the accommodation is nice too.
The academy programme is extremely organised and well thought out, it is personalised to your strengths and weaknesses. The fitness programme really does keep you fit and gives you a better chance of not getting any injuries.
Ivana, Year 8
I love having good exercise every day, it helps me improve all the time. Also doing the thing I love (tennis!) makes me happy!
It’s nice to have new girls join the academy, I like it that there are people doing the same as me, the thing we love. The strength and conditioning training is brilliant, the coaches are really nice and want the best for everyone.
Bea, Year 8
I love having the opportunity to get better at tennis whilst fitting it around my school day and making new friends in different years. I like the balance between tennis and the strength and conditioning, they make the programme personal to each player and coaches work well to help build my weaknesses to strengths.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was being part of the Aberdare Cup and winning a doubles and a singles match!
How is life in the boarding house?
I love living in the boarding house – they have fun outings and trips. It is like second home and family to me.
Though I’m not at school as much as some, I still manage to have a close friendship group outside the academy.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
The coaches and teachers work really hard to fit the academic subjects I want to do into the school day with my tennis.