TO DESCRIBE Talbot House Preparatory School as a home from home is an understatement.

The school is literally run from three family homes in the Talbot Woods area of Bournemouth, making a refreshing change to the ever-growing primary schools on offer in the state sector.

With just 165 pupils on the books, the small independent gives children a cosy, welcoming start to their education.

The pupils, aged 3-11, all know each other and classes have approximately 20 children. They sit down to a healthy, two-course cooked lunch every day and are clearly taught good manners.

The school currently has one form in each year group apart from reception which has two smaller forms of 15.

Most students head for local grammar schools when they leave Year 6 with some gaining scholarships to senior ind-ependent schools and a small number going to other local schools.

There is a strong focus on academic studies, coupled with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, outings and residential trips Head teacher Emma Haworth took up her post in January, having moved back to the UK after a stint as head of an international school in South Korea.

She was also involved in two British start-up schools in America before taking the decision to move back to the UK with her husband and two kids.

“I was in a position where I could choose any area of the UK so I had the luxury of looking for a job that I really wanted – this is that job” she said.

“We are taking the traditional and putting it into a modern context. “We have all the traditional things like a head boy and girl and prize-giving ceremonies but we also have all the modern facilities we need.”

The school, located in Firs Glen Road, has no playing fields but that doesn’t stop the youngsters enjoying a full programme of sporting activities.

Every Tuesday all pupils take part in sport at the Sir David English Centre in East Way and nearly Bournemouth University facilities are also utilised.

The national curriculum is tailored to the needs of the students and children thrive under the headteacher’s motto: “High expectations, low stress.”

“We make sure it is not boring – it is about making learning fun and being curious” said Mrs Haworth. “Every child has potential and we have to tap into it and fulfil it.”

Talbot House Preparatory School is owned by the Broadway family, which also owns schools in Carmarthensire and Northampton.

  • Talbot House Preparatory School, Firs Glen Road, Bournemouth BH9 2LR
  • Telephone: 01202 510348
  • Email: admin@talbothouseschool.co.uk
  • Headteacher: Emma Haworth
  • Age range: 3-11
  • Number of pupils: 165