About the School

Ballard School provides a supportive and caring environment for learning, based on Christian values and good teaching, designed to help pupils achieve their personal best. High academic standards, together with thorough preparation for future education and the world of work, are underpinned by an ethos of concern for others, unselfish attitudes and an awareness of the rights and duties of a good citizen. The diverse range of activities and broad curriculum nurture self confidence in all our pupils and help the development of their personality, engendering lifelong interests and stimulating a desire to serve the community.

Ballard School (1½ - 16 years) is an independent, co-educational day school with an excellent reputation. It is located in the New Forest in its own extensive grounds with some 32 acres of playing fields and woodlands.

Assessment for admission

Ballard is a 'non-selective school' in the sense that we do not require a special entrance examination.  If a pupils is sitting Common Entrance at 13+ we welcome the opportunity to use this examination for setting purposes. In the main, however, we assess suitability of entrance through one or more of the following processes:

• a personal visit and meeting with the headmaster and senior staff;
• a 'taster day' whereby the pupil has the opportunity to experience a full day in school allowing relevant staff to comment on his or her attitude, application and performance in class:
• scruting of reports from the pupil's current school: 
• a reference report from the current school before confirming an offer of a place:

Scholarships

Formal assessment for these take place in February each year. Click here for further information

• Pre-Prep (1½-7)
• Prep (7-11)
• Middle (11-13)
• Senior (13-16)

School Structure and ethos

The School comprises various departments which all work together as one, meeting the specific needs of the pupils. The facilities, teaching styles and ethos of each department are appropriate to the requirements of the pupils in that age range.

Ballard has a long established reputation as a caring school with a very supportive pastoral framework. Academic results at all stages are excellent and pupils have a staggering array of after-school activities from which to choose. Heavy emphasis is placed on music, art and sport, while the highly acclaimed Learning Support Unit provides extra help for those who need it.

Parents and pupils have maximum choice, as the school prepares pupils for 11+, 13+ and GCSE; following the National Curriculum and Common Entrance syllabi.

The best aspect of Ballard is its staff and pupils. At this school we have fun and we learn to accept each other for who we are. It is a family school where everyone is ready to help each other and where parents are fully involved in the school.

No words can describe the atmosphere at Ballard. You have to come and see for yourself. We would be very happy to show you around and discuss your child's needs with you. Please contact the school for an appointment or to request a prospectus.

Current number on roll: 560