Tennis Academy
The Tennis Academy Programme at Talbot Heath operates in partnership with the West Hants Club (Regional Player Development Centre), renowned for fostering players of National and International calibre. The West Hants is also a Performance Centre for Under 10’s which many of our Junior pupils attend, this paves the way perfectly for progression into our Senior School Academy.
Individual player schedules are tailored around the academic timetables of the girls. This programme offers an exceptional opportunity for any girl to pursue her tennis aspirations within an outstanding academic school.
Boarding at Talbot Heath as a tennis academy pupil offers a host of benefits.
The West Hants Club, conveniently located just half a mile from Talbot Heath School, serves as an LTA Regional Player Development Centre and stands as one of the premier Performance Centres in the UK. We provide private transport to and from the club, matches, and school tournaments, ensuring minimal time is lost in transit.
We take immense pride in the achievements of our Academy players, with current student Daniella Britton reigning as the Number 1 player in Great Britain’s U14 category. Over recent years, eight Academy girls have graced the courts of Junior Wimbledon, with alumnae including Jodie Burrage who has reached the WTA’s top 100, Esther Adeshina, Erin Richardson, and Lauryn John Baptiste. Our academy serves as a pathway to scholarships at esteemed Universities in the USA.
TENNIS ACADEMY OVERVIEW
The Academy programme spans five years (Year 7-11), with yearly evaluations and a comprehensive review in Year 9 preceding GCSE selections. Subsequently, students have the option to continue for an additional two years, evaluated against new criteria.
Long-term expectations entail a recommended academic route of seven GCSEs and a minimum of two A Levels. Each pupil’s curriculum is tailored to their individual circumstances, with academic options aligning with the school’s recommendations and approval. All Tennis Academy players have attained a minimum of seven GCSEs, achieving 90% A*- B grades.
Accepted players may receive up to a 50% discount on tuition fees. Their training regime comprises a tennis/fitness programme, encompassing a minimum of 12 hours split between school hours and after-school sessions. Each programme is customised to meet individual requirements and circumstances, potentially including two individual sessions, five hours of group tennis, and five hours of group strength and conditioning. Additional hours can be incorporated as needed.
Many girls have represented GB in international tournaments, with our programme and school offering the flexibility to compete in such events.
BENEFITS OF CHOOSING OUR ELITE TENNIS PROGRAMME
Our elite Tennis programme is designed to support students on both the RPDC pathway and the Tennis Academy pathway, alongside providing a high-quality education and receiving exceptional pastoral care and support.
- Personalised Academic Timetable: Allowing around 12 hours per week for a comprehensive Tennis Programme (individual and group sessions) and Strength and Conditioning sessions, while maintaining a strong academic focus.
- Regular Fitness Testing
- Muscular-Skeletal Screening: Identifying any muscle imbalances and providing appropriate exercises for rectification.
- Regular Talks/Workshops: Alongside TH sport scholars
- Mentoring Support and Tournament
- Academic Support: Some students have study sessions to catch up with homework
- Competitive Opportunities: Participating in school competitions U13 and U15 Team Tennis and U18 Aberdare Cup
- Membership of West Hants Club
- 2 x Complimentary Parent Social Memberships
- Subsidised Social Events
- Stringing Discount at the West Hants Shop
- BWT Physio Discount
- Transport between Talbot Heath and West Hants (during school hours)
- Programme Management
- Occasional Off-Court Sessions
BEST TENNIS FACILITIES IN ENGLAND
The West Hants Club boasts some of the finest tennis facilities in England, including:
- 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
In addition, Talbot Heath are proud to offer the best school sporting facilities in the area, including:
- 3 Outdoor Tennis Courts
- 25m Indoor Swimming Pool
- Indoor Strength and Conditioning Gym with expert Coach Jack Phillips
- Extensive Sports Field for Outdoor Fitness Training.
Focus in an All-Girls Environment
We take pride in offering a premier girls-only tennis Academy, providing unparalleled opportunities for young female athletes to excel both on and off the court.
- Focused Environment: Our girls-only tennis Academy creates a supportive environment where female athletes can thrive without distractions.
- Tailored Training Programs: Designed specifically for young female tennis players, taking into account physiological and psychological differences.
- Promotion of Female Leadership: Instilling qualities such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
- Community and Camaraderie: Fostering lifelong friendships and a supportive network of peers.
- Preparation for Success: Equipping students with skills, resilience, and determination to succeed.
Being part of Talbot Heath’s girls-only tennis Academy offers young female athletes a unique and empowering experience that fosters growth, camaraderie, and success both on and off the court.
statistics
2024:
- Aberdare Cup U19 Schools National Champions 6th place
- Multiple players competing at Tennis Europe and British tour level
- Member of the Tennis Academy represented GB at European Summer Cup and played at Wimbledon U14 Championships
- Dorset Tennis School of the Year
2023:
- No. 2 LTA Tennis School in the UK
- Year 7 and 8 National Schools Champions
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Champions 7th place
- 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 7 and 8 National Schools Champions
- Aberdare Cup 19U Schools National Championships 13th Place
- 4th Ranked Tennis School in the 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
STAFF AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME
Our team stands as undeniably our most significant asset in the realm of competitiveness. Merging top-tier expertise with dedicated pastoral support, we strive to nurture the talents within every player. Each of our coaches boasts a diverse spectrum of specialisms and coaching acumen, backed by extensive experience, profound knowledge, and abundant resources.
