Admissions
Welcome to Ballard
We would be delighted to welcome you at one of our Open Morning events or a private tour, both of which can be arranged with one of our friendly admissions team via email: registrar, or by calling us on 01425 626900 and asking to speak with the Registrar’s team.
As a popular, award-winning, academic, all-round day school, we have a number of opportunities to join our School for pupils aged 2-16 years old. The key year groups for entry are Nursery, Reception, Year 3 and Year 7, although we do accept pupils in other year groups, should a place be available, so please do contact us to discuss your requirements.
We are really proud of our pupils and would love to invite like-minded pupils, whatever their passion, to join us. Offers to pupils wishing to join from Reception onwards will be made on a best-fit basis after either: an Admissions Day (Year 3 and Year 7), or a Taster Day (all other year groups, should a place be available). Please note that all pupils must be registered before they can attend either an Admissions Day or a Taster Day and parents often register many years in advance so it is never to early to think about a move to Ballard.
We are seeking pupils who possess a positive character and will:
• demonstrate an enthusiastic approach to School life;
• make the most of the opportunities afforded them;
• be kind and accepting of others; and
• embrace the Ballard values including curiosity, kindness, honesty and respect.
Please see our Admissions Policy for more details.
We recommend visiting Ballard as soon as you are able to. Although there is a wealth of information within our Virtual Open Day page, through the School sections on the website and in the Good School Guide report, there is nothing like a visit, particularly an Open Morning where you our toured by our pupils and meet parents and staff.
Admissions Day
Pupils wishing to enter into Year 3 and Year 7 will be invited to our tailored Year 3 or Year 7 Admissions Day. The day offers an opportunity to experience a little of life@ballard whilst mixing with other pupils and meeting key staff. Deadlines for these days, as well as the Year 7 Admissions Day, are in the Autumn Term prior to the year of entry. Our Year 3 Admissions Day is combined with the Year 3 Scholarship Day, early in the Spring Term.
Scholarships
Ballard offers a wide variety of scholarship programmes aimed at supporting and developing our pupils talents, over and above all the incredible opportunities they get at School. We offer the opportunity to join these programmes to exceptional applicants into Year 3, Year 7 and Year 9. The deadline for expressing an interest in a scholarship is at the end of the Autumn Term prior to joining and the Scholarship Days run early in the Spring Term. You may find out more here.
Transition Day
In the Summer Term we run a Transition Day for all our pupils, giving our new pupils a chance to meet their new friends and teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity to bed in friendships and learn more about the School before the summer holidays.
This Year’s Key Dates
Open Mornings
We are delighted to be able to invite prospective parents and pupils to visit our School for our Open Mornings. Booking is essential and tours are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. More information may be found here;
Spring Term 2024: Friday, 19th January and 15th March
Summer Term 2024: Friday, 3rd May
Year 7 Admissions Day for 2024 entry:
Admissions Day: Saturday 18th November, 2023
Application deadline: Monday 23rd October, 2023
Scholarships for 2024 entry:
Application deadline: Friday 8th December, 2023
Scholarship Day: TBC
Bursaries for 2024 entry:
Applications are now open.
Deadline for the return of all paperwork: Thursday 30th November, 2023
Applicants will be notified of any awards by the end of February, 2024
If you are interested in your child or children joining Ballard School, please contact Laura Legg, our Registrar, as soon as possible to note your interest. We do accept forward registrations, so please contact us as early as possible – we currently have pupils registered to start in 2029, so it is never too early.
We aim to make your admissions’ experience as friendly and as smooth as possible at Ballard. Whether you wish to register in advance or are suddenly relocating and need a place quickly, we will always try to help.
Ballard believes in ‘Bespoke Education’ and this starts with admissions. From the moment you contact us, or request a prospectus, we treat you and your family as individuals. We want to learn about your child or children and their interests so that we can, wherever possible, make the journey tailored for them.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Ballard.
Please contact our Registrar, Laura Legg, by email: registrar@ballardschool.co.uk.
“The induction programme at Ballard has far exceeded my expectations and is poles apart from our experience with other schools. Both my son and I have felt welcome from day one both by the teaching and support staff as well as the students (both existing and new) and our class representatives and other parents. It has made his transition into secondary education a seamless and enjoyable time – I’ve never known him so motivated to get up in the morning, get his homework done and be so happy at school! Please pass my thanks on to your entire team – I finally feel like I’m getting value for money for my son’s private education!” (New Parent).
“She absolutely loved her first day at Ballard. She came home and chatted non-stop about her lessons and new friends she had made. It was lovely coming into Reception and seeing a group of girls there ready to welcome her and take her to her form. We have been delighted by the fantastic welcome and care and attention that she has received.” (New Parent)
Our Registrar, Laura Legg;
In my capacity as Registrar, I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to Ballard. On behalf of the whole School, from our pupils and staff to Arthur, the new School dog, we look forward to helping you in any way we can.
Our aim is to make sure you are fully equipped with all the information you need to make the right decision when choosing a school for your son or daughter. We understand that each child is different and each situation requires individual care and attention. Every case is unique, just like prospective pupils and their families.
If you would like any more information or you would like to book an Open Morning or private tour, please call me 01425 626900 or contact me via email: registrar@ballardschool.co.uk
I look forward to assisting and guiding you through the admissions process and welcoming you to Ballard soon.
