Talbot Heath is a leading independent through school in Dorset that offers girls aged 3-18 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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Alumnae Reunion 1974 – 1981, 5th April 2024

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Classics Trip to Rome and the Bay of Naples – March 2024

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TH Parliament in Session

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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
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

Head of Pastoral
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.
Gerry Ives

Director of Finance
Gerry Ives
Gerry joined TH in April 2015, a finance professional with over 30 years’ accountancy experience in practice, public and commercial sectors. Gerry is responsible for overall finance function, which underpins and supports the school, its pupils and parents throughout their TH journey.
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.
😎 Costa Rica Expedition Parent's Presentation on Thursday 2nd May at 6 pm in the Great Hall. The trip is open only to current U4, L5 and U5 students. 🤩 We are delighted to be working with Camps International, offering our students the opportunity to join us on a 4 Week expedition to Costa Rica in July*, 2025. 👉 Come along to our informal presentation evening where you can learn more and ask questions about this exciting opportunity. We expect the presentation to last around 45 minutes. 📆 Date & Time: Thursday, 2 May - 18:00 Location: Great Hall, Talbot Heath Senior School To ensure you receive an information pack, please confirm your attendance online via this link. https://register.campsinternational.com Your School Code is 9241 Check your inbox for the letter with more info 😁

😎 Costa Rica Expedition Parent’s Presentation on Thursday 2nd May at 6 pm in the Great Hall. The trip is open only to current U4, L5 and U5 students.

🤩 We are delighted to be working with Camps International, offering our students the opportunity to join us on a 4 Week expedition to Costa Rica in July*, 2025.

👉 Come along to our informal presentation evening where you can learn more and ask questions about this exciting opportunity. We expect the presentation to last around 45 minutes.

📆 Date & Time: Thursday, 2 May – 18:00
Location: Great Hall, Talbot Heath Senior School

To ensure you receive an information pack, please confirm your attendance online via this link.
https://register.campsinternational.com
Your School Code is 9241

Check your inbox for the letter with more info 😁

As the warmer weather (hopefully) approaches, make time to get out and walk! Walking for 30 minutes daily or more on most days of the week is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. If you can’t manage 30 minutes a day, remember even short walks more frequently can be beneficial. Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion 😊🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏾‍♀️#WellbeingWednesday

As the warmer weather (hopefully) approaches, make time to get out and walk! Walking for 30 minutes daily or more on most days of the week is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health.

If you can’t manage 30 minutes a day, remember even short walks more frequently can be beneficial.

Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion 😊🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏾‍♀️#WellbeingWednesday

We provide an environment where girls flourish 🥰🌼 #ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours #THSchTestimonialTues

We provide an environment where girls flourish 🥰🌼

#ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours #THSchTestimonialTues

Wishing Clodie, our Vice Chair of Governors, good luck in the London Marathon today!

Wishing Clodie, our Vice Chair of Governors, good luck in the London Marathon today!

Today’s Art Alphabet entry is S for Sculpture. This beautiful, large pumpkin was inspired by the intricate details of mould. Who knew decay could be so beautiful?! #sculpture #gcseart #SaturdayShowcase

Today’s Art Alphabet entry is S for Sculpture. This beautiful, large pumpkin was inspired by the intricate details of mould. Who knew decay could be so beautiful?!
#sculpture #gcseart #SaturdayShowcase

❤️💙 Looking for a secondary school for your Daughter? Why not book onto one of our Open Events. Come and see our pupils in action at one of our Working Open Morning's on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th July or book onto our Senior Open Evening on the 26th September. https://www.talbotheath.org/open-days-and-tours/ A warm welcome and exciting future awaits! #ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours

❤️💙 Looking for a secondary school for your Daughter? Why not book onto one of our Open Events.

Come and see our pupils in action at one of our Working Open Morning’s on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th July or book onto our Senior Open Evening on the 26th September.

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

A warm welcome and exciting future awaits!

#ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours

👉 OUR SHOP IS OPEN NEXT THURS 8:15am - 9am & 3:30pm - 4:30pm Get your unwanted uniform items washed and ready this weekend! Uniform lists and slips to use on items you wish to sell can be downloaded from the uniform page on our website. https://www.talbotheath.org/school-life/uniform/ (Scroll down to the bottom of this link for the shop info & slips) If you wish to sell, you may bring in clean items in during shop hours. Please note, we do not sell white shirts, tights, non-sports socks or non-standard uniform items.

👉 OUR SHOP IS OPEN NEXT THURS
8:15am – 9am & 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Get your unwanted uniform items washed and ready this weekend!

Uniform lists and slips to use on items you wish to sell can be downloaded from the uniform page on our website.
https://www.talbotheath.org/school-life/uniform/
(Scroll down to the bottom of this link for the shop info & slips)

If you wish to sell, you may bring in clean items in during shop hours. Please note, we do not sell white shirts, tights, non-sports socks or non-standard uniform items.

There really is something for everyone from Netball to Textiles, MedSoc to Chamber Choir!

Take a look at our epic list of Senior Clubs and Extracurricular activities to do more of what you love! 🎨📖🎾🧪🎶🎭🥁🏏 https://www.talbotheath.org/school-life/extra-curricular/

❤️💙 Talbot Heath pupils feel empowered and confident to step out into the world and achieve their dreams ✨ Want the same for your daughter? Discover more by booking onto one of our Open Events. Working Open Morning's - Tues 2nd, Wed 3rd & Thur 4th July Senior Open Evening - Thursday 26th September https://www.talbotheath.org/open-days-and-tours/ A warm welcome and exciting future awaits! #ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours #TestimonialTuesday

❤️💙 Talbot Heath pupils feel empowered and confident to step out into the world and achieve their dreams ✨

Want the same for your daughter? Discover more by booking onto one of our Open Events.

Working Open Morning’s – Tues 2nd, Wed 3rd & Thur 4th July
Senior Open Evening – Thursday 26th September

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

A warm welcome and exciting future awaits!

#ThroughSchool #Kindergarten #PrePrep #JuniorSchool #SeniorSchool #SixthForm #TalbotHeathSchool #Bournemouth #THinkBig #THinkThrough #HonourBeforeHonours #TestimonialTuesday

A school governor is a dedicated volunteer who actively engages in the governance and oversight of a school, contributing their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the school's success. Governors work collaboratively with school leadership, staff, parents, and the wider community to set strategic direction, monitor performance, uphold high standards of education, and promote the well-being and development of all students. They play a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment and driving continuous improvement, ultimately helping to shape the future of the school and support the achievement of its educational goals. If you can spare a few hours each month to contribute your expertise as a member of a board comprising professionals who share your interests, and assist us in steering the operations of the foremost Independent School for Girls in the region, we’d love to hear from you. To express your interest, please email Hayley Upton, Clerk to the Governors, hupton@talbotheath.org Read bios of our existing Governors here https://www.talbotheath.org/about-talbot-heath/governors/

A school governor is a dedicated volunteer who actively engages in the governance and oversight of a school, contributing their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the school’s success. Governors work collaboratively with school leadership, staff, parents, and the wider community to set strategic direction, monitor performance, uphold high standards of education, and promote the well-being and development of all students.

They play a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment and driving continuous improvement, ultimately helping to shape the future of the school and support the achievement of its educational goals.

If you can spare a few hours each month to contribute your expertise as a member of a board comprising professionals who share your interests, and assist us in steering the operations of the foremost Independent School for Girls in the region, we’d love to hear from you. To express your interest, please email Hayley Upton, Clerk to the Governors, hupton@talbotheath.org

Read bios of our existing Governors here
https://www.talbotheath.org/about-talbot-heath/governors/

What are you looking for?