Talbot Heath School

Since September 2023, Tracy Harris, previously head of Parkstone Grammar School and before that, senior deputy head of South Wilts Grammar School. Born and raised in the southwest, with a degree in history and PGCE from the University of Exeter and

Academically selective, around 40-60 joining in year 7 via CAT4 entrance exam, with individual tests including maths and English. Years 8 and above were full when we visited, with some waiting lists. Around 18 join at sixth form, when candidates need

Roughly a third leave after GCSEs, some citing limited A level options as a reason, and one mentioning a desire to explore wider social opportunities ‘in a new environment’ – although, interestingly, some come back. Most sixth formers into higher

In 2025, 39 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 37 per cent A*/A at A level (71 per cent A*-B).

The recurring theme from parents and pupils is the dedication and commitment of the teaching staff. ‘My daughter, who previously hated physics, has come back from school this year telling me that physics is amazing,’ said one. Similar claims were

Thirteen per cent of girls are on the SEN register (the national average), around half of whom receive targeted intervention, either in a group or individually (no extra cost). Dyslexia most common, but school also supports girls with autism, ADHD

The auditorium in the stunning modern ‘Steam Hub’ can be partitioned into four large teaching or performance spaces (an adult first aid class was under way in one when we visited). When combined it can seat 800, and there’s a main school hall too

School very much on the map for its sports offer – and particularly proud of steadily climbing the School Sports Magazine rankings (most of the others featuring are co-ed or boys). Both the school tennis and swimming academies attract pupils from a

Weekly and full boarding in bright and ultra-tidy dorms from year 7, and single rooms from year 9. Joined by the rabbit on the loose in one of the common rooms. Largely international cohort, mainly from Hong Kong, China - plus some Spanish tennis

Parents feel pastoral issues are taken seriously and quickly addressed, especially friendship fallouts and social media issues. They also praised the quality and availability of the free (and ‘very discreet’) counselling support established post

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

The girls we met were friendly, mature and confident. Buses bring them in from the New Forest, Bournemouth and Poole and across Dorset. Parents range from ‘incredibly wealthy to those of us who sacrifice a lot and work hard’, producing girls from a

Drama, art, sport, music, academic and all-rounder scholarships from year 7. Bursaries of up to 100 per cent. Discount for daughters of CofE clergy and those in the Forces. The Mary Broad Award is a means-tested bursary specifically for sixth form.

As one parent put it, ‘the school is geared to achieving the best out of a child – it doesn’t expect a top level student, but that a child is trying'. The formula is clearly working, with excellent academic and sporting outcomes achieved in a