Talbot Heath
Secular, Founded 1886
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSELanguages
English
French
SpanishTalbot Heath is a leading independent through-school for girls aged 2–18 located in Bournemouth, Dorset. It provides an empowering, girls-only educational environment designed to foster academic excellence and personal character.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1886, the school operates under the motto ‘Honour before Honours,’ emphasizing integrity, compassion, and ambition. The educational philosophy focuses on nurturing 'curious minds, generous hearts and adventurous spirits' within a girls-only environment. The school promotes a 'stage not age' approach in the Early Years and utilizes the 'THRIVE' programme in the Senior School to develop metacognition and critical thinking skills.
Programmes
The school provides a continuous curriculum from Nursery and Kindergarten through to the Sixth Form. The Junior School curriculum is complemented by outdoor learning, while the Senior School offers GCSE and A Level pathways. The Sixth Form curriculum includes the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and a focus on academic excellence. The school also integrates STEAM elements and metacognitive strategies across its teaching.
Outcomes
The school offers a continuous educational pathway from ages 2 to 18, with students progressing to university and various career paths. The curriculum includes the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in the Sixth Form, and the school tracks destinations of leavers. Academic excellence is supported through specific programmes, including sessions on healthcare careers and metacognition-based learning strategies.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator and Senior SENDco to oversee provision. Pastoral support is integrated into the school structure, with designated staff focusing on student wellbeing, mental health, and the development of life skills such as resilience and critical thinking.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Talbot Heath offer?
- Talbot Heath offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Talbot Heath?
- Annual tuition at Talbot Heath is £10.5K–£22.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Talbot Heath teach?
- Talbot Heath enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- Is Talbot Heath a day or boarding school?
- Talbot Heath is a day and boarding school.
- Is Talbot Heath co-educational?
- Talbot Heath is a girls school.
- Where is Talbot Heath located?
- Talbot Heath is an international school in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-26| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception (4 yrs) | 4–4 | £10.5K |
| Year 1 (5 yrs) | 5–5 | £11.8K |
| Year 2 (6 yrs) | 6–6 | £11.8K |
| Year 3 (7 yrs) | 7–7 | £12.8K |
| Year 4 (8 yrs) | 8–8 | £14.9K |
| Year 5 (9 yrs) | 9–9 | £17K |
| Year 6 (10 yrs) | 10–10 | £18.1K |
| Years 7 and 9 (U3 to U4) | 11–13 | £22.2K |
| Years 10 to 13 (L5 to U6) | 14–18 | £22.4K |
Other fees(12)
| Application fee· Pre-Preparatory (Kindergarten to Year 2 inc) / Junior and Senior School | £120 |
|---|---|
| Application fee· Overseas application | £180 |
| Deposit· Pre-Preparatory/Junior School | £500 |
| Deposit· Senior School (£500 to be credited against first term’s fees) | £1.1K |
| Deposit· Boarders (£500 to be credited against first term’s fees) | £1.6K |
| Boarding· Full Boarders (per term) | £6.5K |
| Boarding· Weekly Boarders (per term) | £5.8K |
| Boardingnight· Flexi Boarding | £80 |
| Meals· Junior School, milk and fruit (per term) | £39 |
| Meals· Junior School, fruit only (per term) | £21 |
| Meals· Junior School, milk only (per term) | £18 |
| Bus / transport· Buses are charged as extra | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% for 2nd child, 15% for 3rd and subsequent children
Admissions
Talbot Heath is a through-school for girls aged 2–18. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events or arrange individual tours, which include a meeting with the Headteacher. Admissions processes vary by stage: Nursery and Kindergarten applications are accepted year-round, while Junior School entry involves taster days and assessments. Senior School candidates sit an entrance exam, and Sixth Form entry is based on testing and scholarship assessments, with a registration deadline of 30th October for the following academic year.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term basis (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). The standard school day begins with registration at 8.40am, with early drop-off available from 8.00am. The school day ends at 3.30pm for Pre-Prep and 3.50pm for Junior and Senior pupils, with wraparound care provided from 7.15am to 6.30pm.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus includes a sports hall, sports field, tennis courts, and a 25m indoor swimming pool. Boarding facilities provide a mix of dormitory, single, double, and triple rooms, alongside communal lounges, a games room, and a dedicated dining area with kitchen facilities for snacks. The grounds feature 'Boarder’s Green' for outdoor activities, and the school maintains specialized spaces such as a sports pavilion, the Hardy gym, and music rooms.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, music lessons (such as LAMDA and instrumental tuition), and various clubs. Sports provision is extensive, featuring Tennis and Swimming Academies, as well as opportunities for football and other team sports. Sixth Form students have access to specific enrichment, volunteering, and leadership opportunities.
Ross CameronHeadRoss Cameron is a History teacher by background with a First-Class degree from Southampton University and a PGCE from the Institute of Education (UCL). Prior to joining Talbot Heath, he served as Deputy Headmaster at The Peterborough School for thirteen years and has extensive experience in independent school leadership and as an ISI Inspector.
Anna TalbotDeputy Head and Designated Safeguarding LeadAnna Talbot studied Classics and Modern Languages at Keble College, Oxford. She has a strong background in pastoral care and is committed to raising student aspirations, mentoring, and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Jo BrownDeputy Head and Head of Junior SchoolJo Brown joined Talbot Heath as a junior pupil at age 8 and later trained as a teacher at the school. She previously served as KS2 Science Lead and is now focused on the wellbeing of pupils and staff as part of the senior leadership team.
Sarah BreezeDeputy HeadSarah Breeze began her Talbot Heath journey in 2015 as KS2 Maths Co-ordinator and Year 6 Form Tutor. She is a passionate educator focused on creating supportive learning environments and developing STEAM elements within the curriculum.
Ian KirtlandInterim Assistant Head (Academic)Ian Kirtland serves as the Interim Assistant Head (Academic).
Karen McDonaldInterim Assistant Head (Pastoral)Karen McDonald serves as the Interim Assistant Head (Pastoral).
Cecilia HandelBursar (COO)Cecilia Handel is a Chartered Accountant who previously worked at KPMG and PwC, and has spent the last decade working in International and Independent Schools. She is a mother of four and is passionate about supporting young people.