Ballard School in New Milton is celebrating its 30th anniversary – a major milestone which coincides with the arrival of a new Headmaster.
While there has been a school on the site since 1895, it is officially 30 years since it became Ballard School – and leading the award-winning independent school into its fourth decade under that name is new Headmaster Stuart Turner, who took up the role in April this year.
Parents, pupils, alumni and friends of the school have been invited to a special anniversary celebration on Friday 26th June across the school’s 34-acre campus near the New Forest.
While Ballard School adopted its current name in September 1995 following the merger of Edinburgh House and Fernhill Manor School, education on the site dates back much further. Great Ballard House itself was built in 1906, and the estate has played many roles over the decades, including serving as an Army headquarters during the Second World War.
The anniversary celebrations, which come at the end of the school’s 30th academic year, also mark the beginning of a new chapter under Headmaster Stuart Turner, who arrived this term from Emanuel School in London with more than twenty years of experience in independent education.
Mr Turner describes Ballard as “a place where education is truly transformational” and believes passionately in an approach where academic excellence sits alongside wellbeing, kindness and opportunity. His leadership ethos centres on ensuring children are known, supported and encouraged to flourish both inside and outside of the classroom.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Turner said:
“This promises to be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together as we approach the end of another fantastic school year and celebrate. While there has been a school on this site since 1895, this joyful chapter of Ballard’s story began in 1995. The school will come alive with music, activities, displays and refreshments. I very much look forward to welcoming families, alumni and friends of Ballard for what promises to be a very special afternoon.”
Today, Ballard is one of the region’s leading independent schools and was recently named Co-educational School of the Year 2024 to 2025. Pupils benefit from more than 175 co-curricular activities each week, specialist teaching from the earliest years, extensive sports facilities and outstanding creative opportunities.
Among the many fascinating facts being shared as part of the celebrations are that Ballard has its own Victorian Water Garden, two Forest School sites, an Olympic-sized Astro pitch and a theatre with professional lighting and sound facilities. The school has also produced alumni who have competed at both Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As Ballard celebrates three decades under its current name, the anniversary reflects both the strength of its history and a forward-thinking vision focused on curiosity, care, ambition and community.
