Angharad Holloway is Headteacher at Talbot Heath School Bournemouth, as post which she took up in 2010, moving from Bath to Dorset. She has been in teaching for 26 years and has loved the dynamic working environment, saying "supporting young people to achieve their development is hugely rewarding".

She teaches Global Citizenship to all pupils at the school and GCSE German. Most recently, she has developed an innovative new model for education of pupils aged 3-18 that is future-focused.

 

Q: What would be your perfect day out in Dorset?

A: Going over on the ferry to Shell Bay, walking down the deserted beach to have breakfast at Studland, followed by birdwatching at Arne or on Brownsea – spotting an osprey on the wing within such a stunning location would make the day perfect.

 

Q: What are your fondest memories of the county?

A: Falling asleep among cowslips on top of Badbury Rings while listening to the song of a skylark.

Watching the sun set over Poole Harbour, wrapped in a blanket.

Walking along Mudeford beach after a storm on New Year’s day, marvelling at the array of seaweed, flotsam and jetsam.

Striding across the mud of Poole harbour at low tide, surrounded by noisy oystercatchers.

 

Q: What has been your proudest achievement?

A: Being named as one of the most innovative and influential educators in the UK at the i25 excellence awards in 2019. Giving a speech of thanks to Malala Yousafzai on behalf of headteachers’ of girls’ schools in the UK, in the week when she was awarded her Nobel Prize. Addressing headteachers at the Global Conference for Girls’ Education in Washington in 2018.

 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: The pupils and staff with whom I work. The pioneers that have pushed forward boundaries throughout history. Art, music, nature.

 

Q: What would be your favourite thing to do when you have a day off?

A: Wrap up warm and head out to enjoy the sea and landscape with a book, a radio and a blanket.

 

Q: Where is your favourite place to eat in the county?

A: In Westbourne, I love Renoufs for wine and cheese and Cotea for everything. For a night out, I would head to NEO in Bournemouth.

 

Q: What three things do you associate with Dorset?

A: Rolling fields and hills, bracken-covered heathland, expansive sandy bays.

 

Q: If you could summarise the county in one word what would it be?

A: Romantic (in the literary sense of the word).