Food & Menus

At Ballard, healthy eating is taken seriously and we have won numerous awards for our approach. The lunches are not only packed with nutritious goodness, but the daily snacks and match teas are also designed to keep everyone feeling great and energised. Our approach to catering is bespoke, we cater for a diverse range of food options including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free to name but a few. There is also a special menu for our younger children, where the food is served to them on their table.

With a wide range of options available every day and a menu that changes weekly over a three-week period, there is always something new to try. New recipes are regularly introduced to encourage pupils to explore exciting flavours and foods they may not have had before. One week, this might include fresh tuna steaks, and the next, it could be bao buns or enchiladas. Thanks to our talented Chef Richard Whiting and his team, the food at Ballard never gets boring.

One of the most popular features is the salad bar, offering cold meats, daily salad specials, homemade soup in the colder months and jacket potatoes. There is also a tempting array of desserts, all made with the lowest possible sugar content, alongside daily options of seasonal fresh fruit, fruit salad or yoghurt. A particular favourite among pupils is the Dorset apple cake and custard, freshly made by the school’s Pastry Chef.

Best of all, pupils enjoy their meals in a social setting where they sit and eat together, making lunchtime a fun and friendly experience! We are really proud of the food served at our school. If you are at school during the lunchtime period, please do feel free to come and join us to sample our delicious menu. Lunch is available to all children, staff, governors, parents, visitors and contractors.

The School currently holds a 5-star hygiene rating.

“It must be good because that is what I hear most about. There is an emphasis on healthy eating.” (Parent)

“I love the food.” (Year 3 pupil)

“It’s fantastic.  He is so excited about going to school on some days because of the meals.” (Parent)

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Open Morning

Join us for our next Open Morning on Friday, 13th February 2026.

Book now for your tailored tour of our award-winning school with our Senior pupils.

We are delighted that our new Headmaster, Mr Stuart Turner, will be at this event to talk about his exciting vision for the future.

Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Please email our Registrar or call 01425 626900 to reserve your space.