When Mary Broad opened Bournemouth High School in January 1886 with just thirty pupils, she could not have known that nearly a century and a half later, her institution would continue to set the standard for independent girls' education across the South West. Today, Talbot Heath School occupies a striking modernist campus in Talbot Woods, designed in 1935 by pupil of the legendary Lutyens architect Hubert Worthington, with distinctive lunettes carved by sculptor Eric Gill. The school now educates around 500 girls from ages 2 to 18, spanning from its Kindergarten through to an ambitious Sixth Form programme. Led since 2024 by Tracy Harris, who arrives with distinguished experience leading high-performing girls' grammar schools, the school continues to embody its founding philosophy: rigorous academic standards coupled with compassionate leadership and genuine care for each individual.
The twin pillars of Talbot Heath remain unchanged since Broad's era: girls are encouraged to think independently, aspire fearlessly, and understand that ambition transcends age or circumstance. This all-through provision creates what the school calls a unique advantage: pupils progress through their entire education within a close-knit community that understands their individual strengths, anxiety triggers, and potential. The school ranks in the top 10% of independent secondary schools in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), with 39% achieving grades 9-7. At A-level, pupils regularly secure places at leading universities, with one securing an Oxbridge place in the 2024 cohort.
The oak-panelled library, wrought-iron balconies, and geometric cloisters speak to Talbot Heath's reverence for heritage. Yet the school wears its history lightly. New girls visiting for taster days report a palpable sense of welcome; the teaching staff radiates commitment; and girls speak with genuine affection about their time here. There is no arrogance, despite the school's selective entry and strong results. Instead, there is a quiet confidence born from leadership that believes in every pupil's capacity to grow.
The school's motto is Honour before Honours, capturing what the current leadership describes as "discovering who you are, the importance of supporting others, and striving to be the very best you can be." This is not mere marketing language. Conversations with pupils reveal genuine engagement with pastoral structures, mentoring systems, and what staff call "genuine dialogue with adults who genuinely listen." The culture does not pit girls against each other; instead, it emphasises contribution to community and collaborative learning. Sixth formers describe a noticeable shift toward independence and intellectual autonomy, whilst younger pupils speak of a secure environment where trying and occasionally failing is normalised.
Under Tracy Harris's leadership (arriving in September 2024), the school is refreshing its strategic focus. Her background includes eight years as an Ofsted inspector and senior-leadership roles such as Senior Deputy Head at South Wilts Grammar School. She brings expertise in psychology (completing an MSc in cognition and learning) and a commitment to embedding sustainability and artificial intelligence integration into curriculum delivery. This forward-thinking approach sits comfortably within Talbot Heath's identity. The school was recognised as one of the UK's most innovative independent schools at the i25 Awards, reflecting the boldness of its STEAM Hub development and commitment to interdisciplinary learning.
In 2025, 39% of pupils achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, compared to the England average of 46% among independent schools. This figure represents solid, above-average performance within the independent school context. The school ranks 472nd in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of schools, classified as above England average (top 25%) performance. Locally, Talbot Heath ranks 3rd among schools in Bournemouth, reflecting its position as one of the area's most selective independent schools. The entrance examination ensures a cohesive peer group of pupils with similar academic ability, which contributes to these outcomes.
Subject-specific strengths include Sciences, Languages, Mathematics, and Humanities. Girls regularly take GCSE in subjects including Food Preparation and Nutrition, Textiles, and Computer Science, providing breadth beyond the traditional academic core. The curriculum reflects the school's commitment to developing creative and technical competence alongside linguistic and mathematical skills.
At A-level, 37% of pupils achieve grades A*/A, with 71% achieving grades A*-B. These results place Talbot Heath comfortably above the independent school average and demonstrate sustained academic rigour post-16. The school ranks 573rd in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 22%, also classified as above England average (top 25%) performance. Sixth form entry involves careful consideration of GCSE grades and subject prerequisites, and the relatively small sixth form (approximately 50-60 students) creates an intimate teaching environment where girls are known deeply by staff.
Twenty-seven A-level subjects are offered, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art, reflecting the school's ambition to offer intellectual breadth. Girls regularly pursue ambitious degree pathways in Sciences, Medicine, Law, and Engineering, with support from a dedicated careers department that tracks destinations rigorously.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
66.67%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
45.92%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
In 2024, approximately 50% of pupils from the 2023-24 cohort progressed to university, with 31% entering employment. One pupil secured an Oxbridge place (Cambridge), demonstrating that despite the school's selective nature, the calibre of achievers at university level is strong. Beyond Oxbridge, pupils regularly secure places at Russell Group and strong redbrick universities including Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Warwick. The school publishes a destinations list reflecting pupils who choose university immediately after Sixth Form, though some pupils opt for apprenticeships, gap years, or immediate employment in professional roles.
The school's commitment to supporting girls in competitive university applications is evident in its partnership with universities for mentoring, admissions talks, and subject-specific support. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides pupils with research skills valued in university applications.
Teaching at Talbot Heath is structured around what the school describes as "intellectual curiosity and academic rigour." Pupils benefit from small class sizes throughout the school (maximum 20 at GCSE level, often smaller for A-levels). The pupil-to-teacher ratio is generous, enabling teachers to tailor support to individual learning needs.
The school's recent investment in its STEAM Hub represents a philosophical commitment to interdisciplinary learning. This £5 million facility opened in 2019 and combines a 600-seat auditorium, art and textiles studios, a dedicated robotics workshop, design technology labs, and immersive interactive spaces with holographic displays and green-screen facilities. Rather than teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in isolation, the curriculum encourages girls to draw on knowledge across all disciplines, applying learning to real-world problems through project-based activities. Students work with industry partners to design solutions, create CAD designs, and build prototypes using 3D printing.
Science teaching is particularly strong. A newly-appointed KS2 Science Lead has developed a curriculum making extensive use of the on-site laboratory facilities, and girls report enthusiasm for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The teaching approach emphasises both knowledge and procedural understanding, preparing girls effectively for A-level work.
English and Languages teaching reflects the school's historical commitment to liberal education. Texts are chosen to challenge and extend, and girls develop close analytical skills. The school offers French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian at GCSE and A-level. Mandarin and Classics (Latin and Greek) are available as options.
Talbot Heath offers flexible boarding options, recognising that modern families have varied needs. Full boarding costs £6,474 per term, weekly boarding £5,777 per term, and flexi boarding operates at £80 per night, allowing families to use boarding on a purely ad-hoc basis. This flexibility is a notable strength, enabling girls to access boarding benefits without commitment to term-round residence.
The boarding house accommodates approximately 40-50 boarders at any given time, creating an intimate community. Boarders are mixed across year groups, fostering mentoring relationships. The house operates with a warm, family-like atmosphere rather than institutional formality. Weekend activities include trips to Theme Parks, shopping, Go Ape climbing, and escape rooms. The school does not require Saturday school, so weekends are genuinely for rest and social activities.
Boarding girls report that flexi arrangements suit the contemporary rhythm of family life particularly well. Some families use boarding during particularly busy weeks; others build a routine of Monday-Wednesday residence; international families rely on full boarding. This flexibility without compromising community is a genuine competitive advantage.
The extracurricular programme at Talbot Heath demonstrates the school's conviction that education extends far beyond academic lessons. Music is central to school life, with approximately 60% of pupils learning an instrument. The school offers 30 individual music lessons per academic year, delivered by peripatetic specialists. Named ensembles include the Athena Strings, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Groups, and multiple choirs. The vibrant Music School (The Mary Norton Hall) features a recital room designed for perfect acoustics, seating 120 people, and hosts fortnightly concerts and performances. Year 6 pupils sing at the Young Voices event at London's O2 Arena, fostering a sense of musical unity and ambition. The annual school musical has recently featured an exciting double-cast production of SIX: Teen Edition, providing multiple girls with leading roles and ownership of the creative process.
Drama is equally ambitious. The new STEAM Hub contains two drama studios and the flexible 600-seat auditorium can be partitioned into smaller performance spaces, enabling simultaneous rehearsals and performances across multiple projects. Girls engage in LAMDA speech and drama training, with examinations offering UCAS tariff recognition from Grade 6 onwards. The Drama Club provides spaces for girls to explore acting, voice, movement, and technical theatre skills.
Sport is exceptionally strong, reflecting both competitive excellence and accessible participation. The school is the number 2 Tennis School for Girls in the UK. The Talbot Heath/West Hants High Performance Tennis Academy is designed for girls showing outstanding ability, enabling them to combine intensive tennis training (up to 15 hours weekly) with a full academic curriculum. Pupils are selected on demonstrated ability and entrance examination performance. The swimming programme has similarly expanded, with the school becoming a Swim England Club in its own right. The covered swimming pool (completed in 2019) enables year-round training, and the Talbot Heath Swimming Academy runs four squads: Performance Squad (£650 per term), Competitive Squad (£500), Development Squad (£350), and Swim Skills (£315). Regional Championships see Talbot Heath competing against national peers, with talented swimmers selected for Southwest Regional teams.
Beyond academies, core sports include Netball, Hockey, Football, Rounders, Tennis, and Athletics, available to all ages throughout Junior and Senior School. Girls also access Badminton, Gymnastics, Dance, Health-Related Fitness, and Swimming in lessons. Sixth formers engage in an enrichment programme allowing them to select activities including Basketball, Fitness Suite training, Wellbeing Walks, Rounders, Tennis, or Dodgeball. Extra-curricular PE clubs enable girls to pursue interests intensely, with specialist coaching on tactics, strategies, and fitness. Teams are entered in local competitions and regularly reach County, Regional, and National Finals, providing girls with experiences of success and competition at higher levels.
The school's facilities are exceptional: a 25m heated swimming pool, sports hall (the largest in Bournemouth with the highest pitched ceiling for cricket), gymnasium, outdoor netball courts, tennis courts, a full-size astro turf, and extensive playing fields. Combined with the modern pavilion and changing facilities, the sporting infrastructure rivals many universities.
Beyond sport and music, the curriculum for enrichment is extensive. Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes run to Gold level, with over 100 girls currently working on their Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards. An innovative "Honour before Honours" student leadership scheme encourages independence and creative thinking, with girls designing 12 criteria per level, two of which they must design themselves. Tasks include organising charity events, leading school clubs, and curating outstanding work portfolios. The scheme is open to all pupils, not just the academically exceptional.
Trips and experiences are integrated throughout the school. Junior School pupils visit the Oceanarium, Farmer Palmer's, and Moors Valley, with Key Stage 4 pupils exploring places including Bath (cultural studies), Shepton Mallet Prison (thought-provoking history), the New Forest (geography), Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (coastal geology), and Hampton Court (historical insights). International trips extend to Rome, Spain, and the ski resort of Aosta Valley, Italy. More adventurously, the school has arranged study trips to Japan, Borneo, and Rwanda to support Godfrey's Village of Hope (a school charity). The breadth of experience embedded within curriculum delivery ensures girls develop genuine understanding of diverse contexts.
The Clay Club, Netball, Tennis, Hockey, Drama Club, and formal music training form the backbone of younger pupils' choices, whilst sixth formers opt into distinct enrichment pathways aligned with their interests and developing specialisms. Most Senior School clubs are free, with charging only for specialist Academy provision (Tennis Academy, Swimming Academy). This accessibility is important, ensuring that girls from families with limited means can participate fully.
Talbot Heath is an independent school with termly fees. Costs vary by year group and phase of education:
Fees range from £3,492 per term (Reception) to £6,043 per term (Year 6).
£7,404 per term (Years 7-9); £7,475 per term (Years 10-13).
Full boarding costs £6,474 per term; weekly boarding £5,777 per term; flexi boarding £80 per night.
£11 per hour for full day sessions (8:30am-3:30pm, £77), with shorter morning (£49.50) and afternoon (£38.50) sessions available.
All fees include VAT. The registration fee is £120 (2025-26). Deposits are required (£500 for Reception/Junior School, £1,100 for Senior School, £1,600 for boarders), with £500 credited against first term's fees.
Bursaries of up to 100% are available, assessed on means-testing. The school is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent talented and aspiring pupils from accessing education here. The Mary Broad Award is a specific means-tested bursary for Sixth Form entry. Additionally, the school offers a 10% discount for children of parents serving in HM Forces and standard sibling discounts (10% for second child, 15% for third and subsequent children).
Scholarships are awarded for Academic achievement, Music, Art, Drama, Sport, All-Round achievement, and specialist Academy pathways (Tennis, Swimming). Scholarships typically offer 10-25% fee reduction, though they can combine with bursaries for pupils demonstrating both exceptional promise and financial need.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
Admissions to Talbot Heath are selective. External candidates for Senior School sit a formal entrance examination alongside minimum academic requirements. The deadline to register for Year 7, 8, 9, or Year 10 entry in 2026 is 1st November. CAT4 testing (Cognitive Ability Testing) takes place in the Autumn term, and selected candidates proceed to sit academic papers in Maths and English. This approach is designed to assess potential as well as current attainment, and the school is transparent that tutoring is widespread (though not required or officially endorsed).
Scholarship opportunities exist across Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport, STEAM, All-Rounder (combining two or more disciplines), Tennis Academy, and Swimming Academy pathways. Scholarship portfolios must be submitted by 1st December. Successful scholarship applicants receive invitations following assessment by subject specialists. The Mary Broad Award provides means-tested bursaries specifically for Sixth Form entry, and bursaries of up to 100% are available based on demonstrated financial need.
Sixth Form entry requires registration by 1st November. Approximately 18 external pupils join at Year 12, selected on interview and predicted GCSE grades. Internal progression for pupils completing GCSEs at the school is not automatic; candidates must achieve minimum grades and secure staff approval for their chosen A-level subjects.
Applications for Junior School (Reception to Year 6) can be submitted during the year, with places dependent on availability and waiting lists. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis rather than a formal entry point, allowing flexibility for families moving to the Bournemouth area or selecting independent education mid-way through primary schooling. Kindergarten and Nursery provision are similarly flexible.
Working Open Mornings are held regularly, running from 9:30am to 11:30am, allowing prospective pupils and families to experience the school during a normal teaching day. Bookings are made via the school website. All prospective pupils are encouraged to undertake at least one Taster Day prior to joining; overnight or weekend stays can be arranged for prospective boarders.
Pastoral structures at Talbot Heath are intentionally designed around small group communities. Tutor groups comprise 6-8 pupils, ensuring that each girl is known deeply by her form tutor. Regular house meetings provide forums for girls' voices to shape the organisation of pastoral life. Wellbeing and Pastoral Support is coordinated by a dedicated team, with a trained school counsellor visiting weekly for pupils requiring additional emotional support. Anna (Assistant Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead) has established mentoring schemes and student voice forums across different key stages, fostering valuable links and ensuring girls feel heard and supported.
The school takes mental health seriously. Pupils speak of genuine openness around wellbeing conversations, and staff are trained in recognising anxiety and supporting girls through transition and challenge. Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied, with a discipline system focused on restoration and learning rather than punishment alone. The phone policy (Years 7-11 must place phones in Yondr pouches during the school day; Sixth Formers may use phones in dedicated sixth form spaces for emergencies) reflects the school's understanding that concentrated attention and face-to-face relationships are essential to wellbeing.
Learning Support is integral. The school aims to identify and assess SEND early, with the stated goal of helping each girl address difficulties and reach her potential. Approximately 13% of the pupil body is on the SEN register (in line with national averages), and around half receive targeted intervention in small groups or individually at no extra cost. Dyslexia is the most common area of support, but provision also covers autism, ADHD and a range of specific learning differences. The SENCo runs weekly lessons tailored to individual needs, covering reading comprehension alongside grammar and spelling, plus written and spoken skills and study techniques.
Selective entry creates a cohesive peer group but requires navigation of competitive entrance. The school's entrance examination and minimum academic requirements mean that achieving a place is not guaranteed despite strong primary school performance. Families should budget for tutoring support and recognise that rejection, whilst rare, is possible even for bright pupils. The stress of entrance preparation should be discussed openly with prospective pupils.
The school's preference for academic breadth means some specialist pursuits may be harder to access immediately. Whilst music, sport, and drama are exceptionally strong, pupils seeking very niche interests (e.g., specialist languages beyond those offered, or particular performance styles) may need to find external provision. However, the accessibility of the facilities and expertise on-site remains exceptional.
Boarding operates on a flexible model rather than a traditional full-boarding experience. Whilst this suits modern families beautifully, girls choosing flexi boarding will have a different experience from full boarders. Some pupils may feel "in between" if boarding only occasionally, and the social bonds of a tight boarding cohort may not develop in the same way. Full boarding remains an option for those seeking that experience.
The academic pace is rigorous, and girls who struggle with pace or require significant scaffolding may find the environment demanding. Whilst the school supports a range of learners, the expectation is that pupils engage seriously with the curriculum. Girls who have thrived in more nurturing, slower-paced settings should visit and consider carefully whether this school's momentum matches their learning needs.
Talbot Heath School represents the best of independent girls' education: ambitious academically, deeply committed to pastoral care, and genuinely invested in developing girls as thoughtful, capable, and kind people. The near-140-year legacy of excellence is not resting on past achievement; instead, under Tracy Harris's leadership, the school is actively reimagining its future, embedding sustainability and artificial intelligence into the curriculum whilst honouring the traditions that have made it distinctive.
The school is best suited to girls who are academically capable and motivated, who thrive in selective, achievement-focused environments, and whose families value small class sizes, excellent pastoral care, and access to genuinely exceptional facilities. The breadth of extracurricular opportunity, from elite sports academies to intimate music tuition to thought-provoking international trips, enables girls to discover passion and develop resilience across many domains.
The main barriers to entry are the selective admissions process and the investment required (either in fees or in demonstrating sufficient merit for scholarship support). Once that hurdle is cleared, however, girls at Talbot Heath are part of a community that will know them deeply, challenge them generously, and equip them to think for themselves and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Talbot Heath School is an exceptionally well-regarded independent school with a near-140-year track record of academic excellence and authentic pastoral care. Results place it in the top 10% of schools in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking). Girls progress to leading universities including Russell Group and Oxbridge. The school was recognised as one of the UK's most innovative independent schools at the i25 Awards. However, "good" is subjective; the school's selective entry, academic rigour, and fast pace suit girls who are academically capable and motivated. Families should visit and consider whether the school's culture aligns with their values.
Fees for 2025-26 range from £3,492 per term (Reception) to £7,475 per term (Year 13). Boarding costs £6,474 per term for full boarders or £80 per night for flexi boarding. Kindergarten and Nursery provision costs £11 per hour. An application fee of £120 (or £180 for overseas candidates) is payable upon submission, and deposits are required upon acceptance. Bursaries of up to 100% are available for families demonstrating financial need, and scholarships (10-25% fee reduction) are awarded for academic, music, art, drama, and sporting achievement.
Admission to Talbot Heath is selective. External candidates for Senior School must sit a formal entrance examination in Maths and English and demonstrate minimum academic standards. Approximately 40-60 pupils are admitted to Year 7 annually, with further places at Year 8 and above dependent on availability and waiting lists. Sixth Form entry involves interview and predicted GCSE grades. The school does not formally endorse tutoring, but many families engage tutors in preparation for entrance assessments. Places are not guaranteed even for bright pupils, particularly at senior entry points where Years 8 and above often have waiting lists.
Talbot Heath provides exceptional breadth. The school is the number 2 Tennis School for Girls in the UK, with an integrated High Performance Academy combining tennis training and academics. A similarly ambitious Swimming Academy operates four competitive squads. Core sports include Netball, Hockey, Football, Rounders, Tennis, and Athletics. Girls also access Badminton, Gymnastics, Dance, Health-Related Fitness, and Swimming. Duke of Edinburgh runs to Gold level. The "Honour before Honours" leadership award scheme encourages independent thinking and creative responsibility. Most senior school clubs are free. Specialist academies carry additional costs.
The campus encompasses a 25m heated swimming pool (recently covered as part of the STEAM Hub development), the largest sports hall in Bournemouth with the highest pitched ceiling, a gymnasium, outdoor netball courts, tennis courts, full-size astro turf, and extensive playing fields. The modern STEAM Hub features a flexible 600-seat auditorium (divisible into three zones), art and textiles studios, design technology and robotics workshops, drama studios, immersive interactive spaces with holographic displays, and a recital hall (The Mary Norton Hall) designed for perfect acoustics. The Great Hall accommodates over 300 people and is used for formal events. The campus occupies pine woodland in the prestigious Talbot Woods conservation area.
In the 2023-24 cohort, 50% of leavers progressed to university, with 31% entering employment. One pupil secured an Oxbridge place (Cambridge). Beyond Oxbridge, pupils regularly secure places at Russell Group and strong redbrick universities including Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Warwick, and Exeter. The school provides extensive support for university applications, including mentoring from universities, admissions talks, and subject-specific guidance. The Extended Project Qualification offers pupils research skills valued in competitive applications. Pupils also pursue apprenticeships, gap years, and direct entry into professional employment.
Talbot Heath offers flexible boarding options rather than traditional full boarding. Full boarding costs £6,474 per term; weekly boarding £5,777; flexi boarding £80 per night. Approximately 40-50 pupils board at any time, accommodated in a house providing a warm, family-like atmosphere. Boarders are mixed across year groups. The school does not require Saturday school, so weekends are genuinely for rest and social activity. Flexi arrangements are particularly suited to families with busy working schedules or those balancing school attendance with other commitments.
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