Sixth Form Testimonials

Roya joined Talbot Heath in Year 3 in September 2016. It was a significant change from her previous infant school, but one she quickly embraced and came to love. Over the years, I have watched my daughter grow from a shy, quiet little girl into a confident, respectful and ambitious young woman. I genuinely believe that Talbot Heath has played a pivotal role in building her confidence and helping to shape the person she is today. From the very beginning, I felt that Roya’s teachers truly cared about her, not only as a student but as an individual. They invested in her happiness and wellbeing as much as they did her academic progress. That same level of care, encouragement and support continued throughout her Senior School years. Whenever I had a question or concern, it was addressed promptly and thoughtfully, often with an invitation to come into school and talk things through in person. Whether I was speaking with a teacher or a member of the leadership team, I always left feeling reassured, knowing that both Roya’s voice and my own had been heard and valued. As a parent, that meant a great deal. When the time came to choose a Sixth Form, Roya was initially unsure about staying at Talbot Heath. Many of her friends were moving on to other schools, and she wondered what it would be like to join a smaller Sixth Form community. Those concerns quickly disappeared once she started. One of the things we have both come to appreciate most is the exceptional sense of community. The year group feels like one close-knit friendship group, with students regularly organising social events and spending time together. It has been wonderful to watch Roya form new friendships and thrive in such a supportive environment. Academically, the smaller class sizes have also been a huge advantage. They allow teachers to provide more individual attention, recognise each student’s strengths and offer support when needed. The relationships between staff and students are incredibly positive, and each girl is encouraged to achieve her full potential. Over the years, I have watched Roya go from strength to strength academically. Through hard work and determination, she achieved excellent GCSE results, enabling her to take on the challenge of studying four A Levels. It has not always been easy, but she has continued to push herself, demonstrating resilience, dedication and a genuine love of learning. Seeing all that she has accomplished makes me immensely proud. One of my proudest moments as a parent has been seeing Roya appointed Head Girl. Not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents. It is a reflection of how far she has come. Watching that once shy, quiet seven-year-old grow into a confident young woman who is comfortable expressing her views, taking on responsibility and leading others has been incredibly special. As our Talbot Heath journey approaches its conclusion in 2027, I feel a real sense of sadness. After more than a decade, the school has become such an important part of our lives and has played a significant role in Roya’s development. Above all, however, I feel enormously grateful. Grateful for the opportunities she has been given, for the friendships she has formed, and for the confidence and independence she has gained along the way. In September 2016, I entrusted Talbot Heath with my shy seven-year-old daughter. In 2027, she will leave as a confident, independent young woman, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.

Parent of Head Girl – 2026

When Maya joined Talbot Heath in Year 7, what mattered most to us was finding a school where she would feel known as an individual. She had other options, including a grammar school place, but Talbot Heath’s warm, family feel and sense of community were what drew her, and us, to the school. That personal attention was evident even during her scholarship assessments. Maya applied across academic, drama and music disciplines, and when some assessments clashed, the school made arrangements that allowed her to still complete them all while feeling comfortable and supported. It was an early indication of the care we would experience throughout her seven years there. Maya has always been confident, curious and keen to get involved. Talbot Heath gave her opportunities to build on those qualities, from school drama productions and STEM clubs to completing her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school also gave her countless opportunities to nurture her love of music, particularly singing, through the choir, chamber choir and school concerts. She was also appointed Deputy Head Girl, giving her the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the school community. Through the many clubs and societies on offer, Maya formed friendships with girls in both older and younger year groups. That connection across the school is what made Talbot Heath feel like one family and one community to us. Her sense of belonging extended well beyond her own year group. Her experiences also extended beyond the classroom, with trips to New York, skiing in Italy and visits to many West End theatre shows that complemented her love of drama and theatre. These opportunities were a memorable part of her school years and allowed her to explore the interests she loved. Throughout her time at Talbot Heath, she developed close relationships with her teachers, who knew her very well and encouraged her love of learning. At every stage, they each genuinely had Maya’s best interests at heart, and we as parents felt very included by the teachers, and the school along the way. That support continued through Sixth Form. When Maya decided she wanted to pursue mathematics at university, her teachers helped us understand her potential and encouraged her to follow that path. Her tutor also worked very closely with her on her UCAS reference, taking real care to reflect her achievements and who she was as a person. Maya left Talbot Heath a more assured, well-rounded version of the girl who arrived: a critical thinker who loves learning and feels ready to take on the world. After achieving fantastic GCSE and A-Level results, she is now studying Mathmatics and Actuarial Science at the University of Southampton and we couldn’t be prouder. As parents, we feel those seven years prepared her well for university and the independence that comes with it. For a family looking for a school where their daughter can feel part of a community while exploring her individual strengths, our experience of Talbot Heath has been a very positive one.

Parent of 6th former – 2026

Talbot Heath has been the most amazing school over the past 7 years. As I leave now, I will always treasure the community that I built here with not only the other students but with the staff too. The unwavering support from my teachers, particularly throughout my performing arts journey, was truly invaluable, always there for me and my peers whenever we needed it. Talbot Heath created an environment where my confidence blossomed, my dreams were encouraged, and I made genuine friendships alongside an education that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Throughout my GCSE and A-level studies, my teachers consistently went above and beyond, dedicating extra hours to ensure every student reached their full potential. They not only equipped us with the knowledge to succeed but also instilled a powerful work ethic and the motivation to achieve our very best. I am so grateful for my time at TH and I will carry the invaluable lessons and experiences gained here with me always.

Millie

The Enrichment Programme at Talbot Heath has been an amazing opportunity for Sixth Form students. It’s helped me build skills beyond my academic studies, in areas I may never have explored otherwise. We took part in a self-defence class and First Aid training — both teaching vital life skills. We also did a driving awareness course, which was fun to share with friends while learning something important. Finally, university talks on UCAS and personal statements gave us excellent guidance as we head into Year 13.

Lauren

I honestly don’t think we could have chosen a better school for Millie. Talbot Heath has given her so much more than an education. It has helped her grow into a confident, independent young woman who believes in herself and her abilities. Millie has had an incredibly successful time at the school, achieving outstanding GCSE and A – Level results, and we couldn’t be prouder of what she has accomplished. But for us, her achievements go far beyond her grades. The school has encouraged her to pursue her passions, take every opportunity and to have the confidence to follow her dreams. What has stood out to us most is how much the teachers genuinely know their students and care about their individual success, not just academically but as young people. Millie has always felt so supported and encouraged, and I know she will miss the staff enormously. She has also made the most wonderful friends at the school who I’m sure will stay with her for life. It’s incredibly sad to see her leave, but we know she is more than ready for her next adventure. Next week, Millie will be joining The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she will study Acting for three years. Talbot Heath has given her the foundations, confidence and encouragement to go out into the world and follow what she loves, and for that we will always be eternally grateful.

Lauren – Parent

The Music Department is such a welcoming environment with fantastic facilities. There are lots of music groups run by staff, and plenty of chances for us students to organise our own. Our teachers’ enthusiasm really shines through in their teaching and in how well they know each individual student. The support we give each other is amazing – it makes us one strong musical team!

Millie

Our daughter has been at Talbot Heath for seven years, and during that time she has been very happy and truly thrived. She has always been supported and encouraged in her sporting journey which allowed her to balance her sporting commitments alongside her academic studies. The schools family-like community has been a wonderful environment, helping her develop into an independent young woman whilst forming lifelong friendships. Her time in Sixth Form has been an amazing two years. The commitment, guidance and dedication of her teachers have been outstanding, and we are grateful for the role the school has played in both shaping both her education and her future. It was a big decision for us as a family to send her to TH but we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Mrs Wells – Parent

I’m Isabelle, and I’m one of the Head Girls, as well as a French ambassador. I’m studying English Literature, History, Maths and French, and am also doing an EPQ comparing statutory interpretation in England and France. I enjoy my part-time job as a waitress, playing the piano and fundraising for Godfrey’s Kitchen, and I aim to study Law and French Law at university next year.

Isabelle – Head Girl 2022-23

I’m Alex, and I am one of the deputy head girls. For my A-levels, I take Economics, History and Psychology, with the hope to study business next year at university. Alongside my studies, I enjoy being part of the Rwanda Committee, part-time work as a waitress and going to concerts, linking to my EPQ which investigated the impact of social media on the music industry.

Alex – Head Girl 2022-23

As a new pupil at TH, I can say with complete confidence that Talbot Heath has facilitated me with the resources to reach my potential – the nurturing environment, combined with copious amounts of support. Talbot Heath ensures not only academic success, but the opportunity for every single girl to flourish into an accomplished, confident, happy young lady. The educational experience Talbot Heath offers is unparalleled and this is evident by not only the medals and certificates girls achieve, but the smiles on our faces. It’s been so lovely getting to know all of the pupils here and I feel so fortunate to have the privilege of representing such a truly great school.

Georgia – Head Girl 2021-22

I am so excited to be one of the new Head Girls this year. Talbot Heath has definitely made me the person I am today, and I know they will push me to be the person I am tomorrow. I feel my confidence has just been nurtured in all aspects whether it be academic or music. I feel that TH can give every student equal opportunity and encouragement to achieve what they want to do in life. And that is really special to me, as someone who hasn’t always had that in other schools. I have been taught that it is never too late to reach my full potential if I have that aspiration to overcome obstacles in front of me – and I really believe that Talbot Heath saw the potential in me before I saw it in myself.

Verity- Head Girl 2021-22

I am studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I joined Talbot Heath in Year 6. Since joining I have grown in confidence and I am so thankful to Talbot Heath for all the opportunities they have given me. Over the seven years I have been here, I have enjoyed being part of school plays, school committees and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards. When I am not at school I like to walk my dogs, play golf and go on runs. I’m really looking forward to the next year in Talbot Heath Sixth Form and being able to get even more involved in the school community.

Verity – Deputy Head Girl 2021-22

I am so excited to be one of the two Deputy Head Girls at Talbot Heath. I am currently studying English, Economics and Latin. I hope to study Politics at University. Since joining Talbot Heath in Year 9, I have enjoyed every aspect of school life as well as the countless opportunities the school has presented to me. I have started a TH Newspaper Club and through this, I have got to know many more of the girls. I truly believe that Talbot Heath cares about every one of their students and is dedicated to supporting them throughout their years at school. I cannot think of a more rewarding way to end my time at TH than being part of the Head Girl team.

Jasmine – Deputy Head Girl 2021-22

Talbot Heath is an excellent centre for learning. The school has helped me to develop my confidence and allowed me to discover my passion for history throughout my time here. The teachers have enabled me to develop my academic ability but also have encouraged me to follow my extracurricular interests. This school gives all the students at Talbot Heath a fantastic foundation to pursue their journey into further education. There is a great sense of community within the school, which is displayed through a variety of sports clubs, drama plays, public and charitable events. I have loved performing in our school performances and I am proud to have achieved athletics records whilst at the school. I am delighted to have been a student at this school, for everything it has given me.

Serena – Head Girl and History Prefect 2019-20

These past six years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Talbot Heath. The school has offered me countless opportunities and experiences that have allowed me to make the most of my education and become the individual I am today. From sports matches to geography competitions, Talbot Heath has enabled me to explore many different paths and has helped me to develop my own passions and interests. The constant support and dedication from the teachers encourage pupils to fulfil their true potential. Talbot Heath is a fantastic community of teachers and friends, a great learning environment and a place of happy memories.

Megan – Head Girl 2019-20

Since 1886, Talbot Heath has always supported its pupil to discover who they are. In my time here, I have learnt how to use my voice to generate change and the confidence to use it. I am excited to carry on the tradition of being a role model for the younger years!

Lily – Deputy Head Girl 2019-20

I joined Talbot Heath at the age of three in Kindergarten and have therefore been through the school from beginning to end. From learning to read and add up, to studying for my A levels, I have matured, not just academically, but also emotionally. Talbot Heath has taught me transferrable skills along with the formal curriculum, which will greatly benefit me in the future – I feel that I am now a confident public speaker, performer and am always ready to lead a task. I am currently studying Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths, and aim to study Chemistry at University. The teaching staff are dedicated and prepared to go the extra mile to help us prepare for public exams, which has been greatly beneficial in the lead up to GCSE’s and AS Levels. There is also an excellent pastoral team, which has helped us during our time at Talbot Heath. Something that I love about our school is its uniqueness: not many schools in our area have a wood, which we can use and I have spent many a happy lunchtime playing amongst the trees. I have taken full advantage of the musical opportunities available to me at school having joined choir in year 4 and senior orchestra from year 7. Music is an example of how Talbot Heath brings different year groups together, and enables us to help develop each other’s skills in a friendly and relaxed environment. I have loved my time at Talbot Heath and I have a lot to thank the school for and am pleased to be representing it for this next academic year as Deputy Head Girl to give something back.

Hanna – Deputy Head Girl 2019-20