When I ask our parents why they are happy they chose Ballard for their son or daughter, they give me many reasons. They tell me that our children are happy, kind, at ease with themselves and each other, and that they think of others – yet they are enthused and inspired by the challenges before them. They see that a Ballard pupil grasps every opportunity afforded them, and that we have succeeded in combining academic excellence with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities. It is clear to them that a deep commitment to the individual needs and enthusiasms of each child is at the heart of all that we do at Ballard.
It is a genuine privilege that our parents have entrusted us with the most important of tasks – educating and nurturing their children. Many prospective parents tell me they feel a special ‘sense of place’ when they visit Ballard and meet our pupils and staff for the first time. The Ballard ethos, vibrant teaching, sense of community and family is clearly what they wish for their children.
Our core values of kindness, aspiration and resilience are reflected in every decision we make. As our pupils grow through the School, we foster a deep empathy for others and facilitate a mindset that giving something a go is more important than getting it right first time. We urge them to be the best that they can be, and to be upstanders, role models and mentors. We encourage our pupils to rise to a challenge and not worry about making a mistake.
We fill our young minds with knowledge, skills and understanding whilst reminding them to stop, look around them and see the bigger picture, whether that is participating in international trips or joining our eco-group. With numerous opportunities for outreach, campaigning and charity work, we hope that our pupils learn the value and sense of personal fulfilment to be found in helping those less fortunate than themselves.
…but don’t just take ISI’s or my word for it. Come and visit our stunning 34-acre site on the edge of the New Forest – meet our pupils, talk with our staff and view the fantastic facilities on offer.
Andrew McCleave, Headmaster
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. Learn more here.
