Talbot Heath school, in Bournemouth, is launching the enhanced Talbot Heath School Swimming Club; a significant step forward that will provide unparalleled opportunities for new and existing pupils.
In an exciting development for the future of female swimming, Talbot Heath is on the cusp of becoming the premier choice for young female athletes across the UK. The school has earned its reputation for its dedication to academic and athletic excellence through its Tennis Academy and its Swimming Academy over the last five years since its modern 6 x 25m pool was unveiled. With the launch of its own Talbot Heath Swimming Club later in 2025, it aims to take the lead in nurturing the next generation of female swimmers.
Following a fruitful partnership with Poole Swimming Club, Talbot Heath is entering a new era, and currently endeavouring to establish itself with Swim England Club. This pivotal change, following a 5-year review, taking feedback from parents, pupils and staff, allows the school to create a swimming program that fits seamlessly into the school day, providing an effective dual school and training environment for both local and boarding pupils.
At the helm of this exciting initiative is Barry Alldrick, a distinguished international-level coaching figure renowned for cultivating high-performing athletes from humble beginnings and modest resources during his time at Poole Swimming Club over the last decade. Alldrick’s transition to Talbot Heath as Head of Swimming is set to revolutionise the school’s approach to training young female swimmers.
Joining Alldrick, is Strength and Conditioning expert Jack Phillips, from GTC Conditioning. Phillips will enhance the school’s holistic approach to athlete development, ensuring that swimmers receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs. Further physiotherapy support and a second coach will soon be announced, promising a performance-driven experience that leaves no stone unturned.
Talbot Heath’s ambition extends beyond training; it is determined to address female swimmers’ unique challenges. The school aims to focus on Alldrick’s interest in challenging the status quo and conducting a long-term study to find and research the most effective strategies for supporting females’ physical, emotional, social and mental development. This is intended to help Talbot Heath athletes achieve long-term success, ensuring they have the tools to succeed both in the pool and in life. The study has gained support from Swim England, Aquatics GB, Adam Peaty Race Clinics, Coaches and top female sportspeople.
Alldrick commented, “To be given the space and time to widen my coaching repertoire is a fascinating area of this role; with lots of support from peers, successful female swimmers and experienced practitioners, I certainly look forward to sharing long-term findings with the hope of making a big difference to the swimming community”.
Four new squads are being created to cater for all abilities and interests. Firstly, a Swim Skills Squad will focus on learning and developing a love for swimming; a development squad focusing on learning training techniques and progressing competitive skills; a competition squad for pupils aspiring to or competing at the County Level, and finally, a performance squad for pupils aspiring for regional, national, and international levels. Furthermore, the coaching team will support pupils where swimming is part of a broader skill such as triathlon or pentathlon.
If you are driven to be part of a team at the forefront of developing female swimmers, achieving academic success, and being guided by top-level coaches within an inspiring school community committed to excellence in all areas, now is the time to join Talbot Heath. The future of female swimming begins here.
Categories: School News Talbot Heath School
