Ballard School has announced the appointment of a new Headmaster, following the successful tenure of Andrew McCleave, who joined the school in 2018.
Stuart Turner, currently Deputy Head at Emanuel School, a large South London co-educational independent school, will take the helm in April next year.
He was appointed following a rigorous recruitment process from among a strong field of applicants. Ballard Governors felt his pupil-centred approach, passion for all aspects of education, and his skills and drive meant he would “confidently lead Ballard School and the wider Ballard Community into the future.”
During Andrew McCleave’s tenure, the school’s pupil roll increased by 22%, and pupils achieved record-breaking GCSE results year on year, with more than half of results achieved by the 2025 cohort awarded the top grades (9–7). The School has also won a number of awards over this period, including being named Co-Educational School of the Year at the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards last year.
Future Headmaster Stuart Turner said on his appointment:
“I am absolutely delighted to have accepted this prestigious role at such a fantastic school. From the moment I first visited Ballard, I felt an immediate connection and knew it would be an excellent fit.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the school’s community and working closely with the outstanding Leadership Team to support our pupils. My family and I are excited to become part of Ballard life.”
Andrew’s guardianship over almost eight years has left the popular New Milton school on a secure footing. The incumbent Headmaster steered the Ballard community through Covid lockdowns, oversaw the appointment of a new Leadership Team, and managed a programme of investment, working with Governors to ensure financial stability. This strong financial foundation enabled Ballard to buffer the impact of VAT on fees for parents, absorbing the full cost for one term before raising fees incrementally.
Headmaster Andrew McCleave said:
“I have enjoyed nearly eight wonderful years as Headmaster at Ballard. I am proud of the journey the school has been on whilst I’ve been here, and I leave behind a school that is supported and guided by a strong Leadership Team and a passionate staff body, a school that is financially robust and a vibrant and positive community with an exciting future ahead.
“With dynamic leadership and strong governance in place, I have no doubt that the school and its children will continue to flourish. I am looking forward to working closely with Stuart to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”
