Head

Introduction

Ballard is an award-winning, co-educational, independent day school for children from Nursery to GCSE. Set in 34 acres between the New Forest and Solent on the Hampshire / Dorset border, we are rated ‘excellent & outstanding’ by ISI.

This is a time of growth and optimism for Ballard School. Our pupil roll has grown by more than 20% over the past two years. We are now running waiting lists for most year groups and we will be putting on an additional class in year 7 for 2021 and beyond. The Governors are keen that the School builds on our growing success and reputation, cementing our position as the independent local day school of choice.

Ballard pupils achieve excellent examination results; subject specialist teaching staff and a diverse and inspiring range of activities and trips nurture self-confidence, aspiration and help develop each child’s personality.

We offer extensive and exciting opportunities across the four pillars of Ballard (STEM, arts, sport and life) throughout the School, encouraging all to contribute and participate, providing a solid grounding in both academic subjects, and in developing pupils’ sense of self and their resilience.

Ballard offers inspiring teaching and excellent pastoral care; children are encouraged to take on responsibilities from an early age including a mentoring programme whereby older children help younger children.

Meet the Head

“When I first arrived at Ballard, I was immediately struck by its busy, purposeful atmosphere and the warm welcome I received. The girls and boys I met shook me by the hand, looked me in the eye and told me everything I needed to know about the School.

At Ballard we encourage our pupils to express themselves confidently, to develop their leadership skills and to be ambitious, all within a nurturing and supportive environment. When I talk to the young people here, they describe a Ballard pupil as one who will “enjoy the challenge” and “set the bar high”. Ballard is proud to educate pupils with a range of academic abilities, and we do so within a culture of aspiration for all; teachers here will stretch, challenge and support in equal measure. I have always been a great believer that happy, confident, respectful and busy children will do well academically so it is no wonder that our GCSE results continue to be at the forefront of comparable local schools and well in excess of the national average.

More importantly, this all happens within an ethos of respect, kindness and responsibility. The key to Ballard’s success lies in its values and culture, and in the positivity of its community. Whether it’s the staff who support and educate, the pupils who strive and delight, or the parents who so vitally connect home and school life, we all play a crucial role in shaping the School. Ballard’s ambition to instil in their pupils a strong moral compass, a respect for others, and an imperative to make a worthwhile contribution to the community all help foster a happy, supportive and successful School.

We were hugely proud of our “excellent & outstanding” ISI and OFSTED inspection report. The School was awarded the highest grade possible in every category; a real testament to the hard work and passion of all our staff.”

Andrew McCleave

ISI

“Pupils are reflective and have high levels of self-esteem and empathy. They are highly successful in displaying these characteristics through academic study as well as the wealth of sporting, performing arts and extra-curricular opportunities in which they participate.” ISI