Welcome to multi-award-winning Ballard School, a place where pupils belong, thrive and achieve.
Ballard is a joyful, ambitious and welcoming school where education is truly transformational. Confident, curious and kind, Ballard pupils flourish across our exceptional campus, in classrooms, on the sports fields and on stage. Financially secure and proudly independent as a charitable trust, we are free to focus every resource on delivering an outstanding education and nurturing every child.
Set within beautiful surroundings between the New Forest and the Solent, our forward-thinking, values-led approach has earned national recognition, winning this year’s coveted Independent School of the Year Award (South), two years after being named Co-Educational School of the Year (2024/25). Recognised by The Telegraph as one of its Best Value Private Schools, Ballard has won the Global 100 Award for Best Education Management (UK) and the ISA Award for Fine Art & Design, while retaining Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction and School Games Gold status. Ballard has further strengthened its reputation by reaching the ISA finals for both Sport and Sustainability.
Describing Ballard as “a joyful, friendly sanctuary in the New Forest”, The Good Schools Guide highlights our beautiful grounds and resources, extraordinary sense of community and impressive results, noting that creativity is nurtured through exceptional arts provision that pupils throw themselves into.
These honours and accolades reflect a vibrant, inclusive community where learning is purposeful and pupils feel known, supported and inspired.
Explore our website to discover the ‘Ballard Effect’ for yourself: the learning, the opportunities, the sense of belonging, and the joy of a school community that continues to move from strength to strength.
To view our recent GCSE success stories, click here.
You can view our latest Good Schools Guide here.
Co-curricular activities a week
Acre campus
Freshly prepared meals every week
Visiting Music and LAMDA Teachers
We would be delighted to welcome you at one of our Open Morning events or a private tour.
We like to keep a pictorial record of our pupils’ work, achievements, and life at school.
Discover life at Ballard through the Ballard Blast. Bringing together the voices, stories and highlights from across the school, our podcast shares everything from exciting events and pupil successes to behind-the-scenes insights and special guest conversations. Whether you’re a current family, former pupil or friend of the school, tune in and stay connected to the Ballard story.
