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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Tree Planting for the Future at Talbot Heath School

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Net Gains

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Sports Profile: Lacrosse Club

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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.
🎬🌟 Does your 7-14 year old love to perform? Our Swish Performing Arts sessions at Talbot Heath School are the perfect way for them to shine every Saturday morning! 🎭 Join us for a 2-week taster course and let their confidence and creativity soar. Book today! @swish_theatre_schools #SwishPerformingArts #TalbotHeath #RisingStars

🎬🌟 Does your 7-14 year old love to perform? Our Swish Performing Arts sessions at Talbot Heath School are the perfect way for them to shine every Saturday morning! 🎭 Join us for a 2-week taster course and let their confidence and
creativity soar. Book today! @swish_theatre_schools

#SwishPerformingArts #TalbotHeath #RisingStars

Our Year 6 Netball teams played against St Michael’s school yesterday. The A team won 5-0 with Sophie being named player of the match The B team won 7-2 with Grace being named player of the match. Both teams played fantastic, showing great skills and teamwork. They had listened well in practice and implemented what they had been taught to get the wins. Well done girls! 👏🏼🤩

Our Year 6 Netball teams played against St Michael’s school yesterday.

The A team won 5-0 with Sophie being named player of the match
The B team won 7-2 with Grace being named player of the match.

Both teams played fantastic, showing great skills and teamwork. They had listened well in practice and implemented what they had been taught to get the wins. Well done girls! 👏🏼🤩

🎭✨ Calling all budding stars aged 3-6! Join us for fun-filled Swish Performing Arts sessions at Talbot Heath School every Saturday morning. 🤩 Your little one can enjoy a 2-week taster course to try it out! 🌟 Let their creativity shine – book now! @swish_theatre_schools #SwishPerformingArts #TalbotHeath #LittleStars

🎭✨ Calling all budding stars aged 3-6! Join us for fun-filled Swish Performing Arts sessions at Talbot Heath School every Saturday morning. 🤩 Your little one can enjoy a 2-week taster course to try it out! 🌟 Let their creativity shine – book now! @swish_theatre_schools

#SwishPerformingArts #TalbotHeath #LittleStars

On Thursday 17th October, L4 visited Hampton Court Palace as part of their History studies on the Tudors. We visited Henry VIII’s state apartments, explored the Tudor kitchens and participated in a power and politics workshop about the succession crisis surrounding Elizabeth I. We all had a great day! We were very pleased to welcome Godfrey on our trip. Godfrey is the founder of the Rwandan charity Godfrey's Kitchen. For over 10 years, our school has been proud to support Godfrey's incredible work, which provides vital nutrition and education to children in Rwanda. More info on Godfrey's trip to follow!

On Thursday 17th October, L4 visited Hampton Court Palace as part of their History studies on the Tudors. We visited Henry VIII’s state apartments, explored the Tudor kitchens and participated in a power and politics workshop about the succession crisis surrounding Elizabeth I. We all had a great day!

We were very pleased to welcome Godfrey on our trip. Godfrey is the founder of the Rwandan charity Godfrey’s Kitchen. For over 10 years, our school has been proud to support Godfrey’s incredible work, which provides vital nutrition and education to children in Rwanda.

More info on Godfrey’s trip to follow!

🥕🌽Today, our Sixth Form Geographers enjoyed an exceptional, personalised tour of Riverford Farm, focusing on environmental sustainability and the unique employee-owned business model. Mrs. Atkins, who led this enriching field trip, shared, "Penny, the Head Gardener, gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the bustling box scheme business. We interviewed international migrant workers about their experiences in rural Devon and their sense of belonging. After a delicious organic lunch from the farm’s fresh produce, we headed to the Transition Town of Totnes. There, we explored its identity as a ‘home town’—not a ‘clone town’—with 75% of shops being local independents. We learned about local protests against the opening of a Costa coffee shop, examining the community’s resistance to globalisation and their efforts to protect small businesses. Our Lower Sixth Geographers were fantastic ambassadors for Talbot Heath, asking thoughtful questions and exploring the town’s strong sense of place and community. Tomorrow, we will head to Start Bay to investigate coastal sediment cell systems and the impact of coastal management on nearby communities." Our thanks go to @Riverford for this opportunity. #6thform #6thformlife #geography #riverford #riverfordveg #riverfordfarm

🥕🌽Today, our Sixth Form Geographers enjoyed an exceptional, personalised tour of Riverford Farm, focusing on environmental sustainability and the unique employee-owned business model.

Mrs. Atkins, who led this enriching field trip, shared, “Penny, the Head Gardener, gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the bustling box scheme business. We interviewed international migrant workers about their experiences in rural Devon and their sense of belonging. After a delicious organic lunch from the farm’s fresh produce, we headed to the Transition Town of Totnes. There, we explored its identity as a ‘home town’—not a ‘clone town’—with 75% of shops being local independents. We learned about local protests against the opening of a Costa coffee shop, examining the community’s resistance to globalisation and their efforts to protect small businesses. Our Lower Sixth Geographers were fantastic ambassadors for Talbot Heath, asking thoughtful questions and exploring the town’s strong sense of place and community. Tomorrow, we will head to Start Bay to investigate coastal sediment cell systems and the impact of coastal management on nearby communities.”

Our thanks go to @Riverford for this opportunity.

#6thform #6thformlife #geography #riverford #riverfordveg #riverfordfarm

Our nearly new shop is open this Thurs, upstairs in our Pre-Prep building, follow the signs!

Our nearly new shop is open this Thurs, upstairs in our Pre-Prep building, follow the signs!

👻BOOK YOUR SUPERCAMPS PLACE NOW👻 Unleash your child's magical powers this October Half-Term with SuperCamps! 🧙‍♂️✨ Supercamps are resident here every school holiday, please book direct at www.supercamps.co.uk

👻BOOK YOUR SUPERCAMPS PLACE NOW👻

Unleash your child’s magical powers this October Half-Term with SuperCamps! 🧙‍♂️✨

Supercamps are resident here every school holiday, please book direct at www.supercamps.co.uk

📣LIMITED PLACES IN EARLY YEARS📣 Spaces are filling up for our January 2025 intake. By securing your place early, you guarantee your child’s spot, offering them a stable and enriching environment to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, please visit our website with details of our next open event and how to contact our head of admissions. https://www.talbotheath.org/junior-school-3-11/early-years/ #TalbotHeathSchool #TalbotHeath #OpenDay #Bournemouth #Poole #School #GirlsSchool #IndependentSchool #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts

📣LIMITED PLACES IN EARLY YEARS📣

Spaces are filling up for our January 2025 intake. By securing your place early, you guarantee your child’s spot, offering them a stable and enriching environment to learn, grow and thrive.

For more information, please visit our website with details of our next open event and how to contact our head of admissions.

https://www.talbotheath.org/junior-school-3-11/early-years/

#TalbotHeathSchool #TalbotHeath #OpenDay #Bournemouth #Poole #School #GirlsSchool #IndependentSchool #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts

🐝Our Honeybees Toddler Group is in full swing at Talbot Heath, but it’s not too late to join in the fun! 🐝

Families are still welcome to book a spot and experience our friendly, engaging sessions. If you would like to book, please visit our website where you can email our Honeybees leader.

https://www.talbotheath.org/junior-school-3-11/honey-bees-family-toddler-group/

#babygroup #toddlergroup #bournemouth #kindergarten #thschhoneybees

❤️💙BOOK YOUR PLACE💙❤️ Join us at Talbot Heath for an Early Years Discovery Session! You'll meet key staff, see children in action, and join our Kindergarten's Forest School lesson. Don't forget to bring a muddy puddle suit and wellies for your child to participate! Afterward, enjoy refreshments with milk, water, biscuits for the little ones, and a hot drink for you! It's a perfect chance to experience our engaging learning environment and witness the activities that make Talbot Heath so special. A warm welcome and exciting future awaits! https://www.talbotheath.org/open-days-and-tours/ #TalbotHeathSchool #TalbotHeath #OpenDay #Bournemouth #Poole #School #GirlsSchool #IndependentSchool #Nursery #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts #AdventurousSpirits

❤️💙BOOK YOUR PLACE💙❤️

Join us at Talbot Heath for an Early Years Discovery Session! You’ll meet key staff, see children in action, and join our Kindergarten’s Forest School lesson. Don’t forget to bring a muddy puddle suit and wellies for your child to participate! Afterward, enjoy refreshments with milk, water, biscuits for the little ones, and a hot drink for you!

It’s a perfect chance to experience our engaging learning environment and witness the activities that make Talbot Heath so special.

A warm welcome and exciting future awaits!

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

#TalbotHeathSchool #TalbotHeath #OpenDay #Bournemouth #Poole #School #GirlsSchool #IndependentSchool #Nursery #CuriousMinds #GenerousHearts #AdventurousSpirits

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