Swimming Academy

The programme offers a fantastic opportunity for any girl to pursue their swimming aspiration within an outstanding academic school.

Swimming Academy pupils can live at Talbot Heath and are cared for in a small family environment:
Academy pupils from out of the area, or those who would find the early morning training easier, can enjoy living amongst teammates and Talbot Heath day pupils, in our award winning Boarding House where friendships flourish. Pupils not only thrive in their sporting career, but perform well in class and are extremely well cared for and supported. Families have the option of full, weekly or flexi boarding, imagine – no more early morning drives to the swimming pool!

Swimming academy pupils may qualify for up to 40% discount. Candidates will be called for scholarship assessment after success in the entrance exam and based upon supporting evidence provided, including references. See our fees page for costs before discount.

Talbot Heath School Academy: Year 1-Year 13

This is a before and after school swimming academy for school pupils who can swim, which will provide a route to progress to competitive swimming. The School Academy athletes will compete in inter school galas at County, Regional and National Level, including IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools) and ESSA Competitions (English Schools Swimming Association) and qualify for Dorset County and South West Regional events.

The Talbot Heath School Academy is directed and coached by British Swimming and Poole Swimming Club Head Coach Barry Alldrick (pictured left) and his team of coaches.

If swimmers wish to go beyond this level they can join Poole Swimming Club Competitive Squads that train at Talbot Heath.

Talbot Heath National Swimming Academy

This is for pupils that are ranked in the top 20 for their age in an Olympic Swimming Event from Year 7 onwards.

Following a trial where the athlete’s ability, future potential and coachability will be assessed, pupils will join the Poole Swimming Club Performance Squads who train primarily before and after school with a “Total Swimming” package, with activities such as video analysis, strength and conditioning, lifestyle and nutrition support and mindset workshops run around the school day timetable. Athletes will travel around the country competing for Poole Swimming Club and Talbot Heath School with the ultimate aim of earning success on international junior and senior teams.

The Talbot Heath National Academy in conjunction with Poole Swimming Club will attract girls from around the world who can board and develop their Academic and Swimming journeys in a highly supportive and achieving environment. Scholarships are available, offering up to 50% off school fees – visit our scholarships page for more information

Recent Talbot Heath Swimming Academy recent achievements include:

• Double World School Games Champions 2024 (year 5/6 and Year 9/10)
• World School Games U13 Female Champions 2022
• ESSA Senior School Relay Finalists
• ESSA Primary School Relay Finalists
• Good School Guide Top 6 Swimming School 

Coaches:

• Barry Alldrick, Head Coach – Swim England National Junior Head Squad 2021
• Jan – Swim England National Event Camp Coach 2021 and 2022
• Chris – Swim England Regional Camp Coach 2021

Poole Swimming club recent achievements include:

• Coach Jacob Peters 21st 100m butterfly Tokyo Olympics 2021
• Head Coach, Barry Alldrick, crowned Swim England Coach of the Year 2018 and South West Coach of the Year 2018
• Swim England Performance Club of the Year 2017
• Multiple Coaches selected for British and National Competitions and Programmes
• Multiple World and European Junior Championships swimmers Multiple British, English, Regional, County Record Holders
• Multiple British and English National, Regional and County Champions
• National Open Water Championship
• Medallists
• Home of Bournemouth University Swim Team