Ballard School is given the highest possible grade at every level! Rated ‘Excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. EYFS rated ‘Outstanding’ by the ISI in conjunction with OFSTED.
“The school is successful in its aim to provide education that extends beyond the purely academic.”
“Whatever their starting point, pupils develop confidence and become determined to give their best. They feel positive about themselves and their places within the school community. Pupils are reflective and have high levels of self-esteem and empathy.”
Whole school report January 2018
“Generous levels of staffing ensure that standards of care are high and that each child follows a personalised learning programme.”
EYFS January 2018
ISI inspection report
The main school was last inspected in November 2017 with the report issued in January 2018. The final report can be found on this page as a PDF file. What follows is a very brief and simple summary:
In all 5 areas the EYFS is judged as being OUTSTANDING (the highest grade)
‘A supportive and caring environment for learning, putting children first.’
‘Generous levels of staffing…rigorous monitoring of academic standards…a very high level of pastoral care…parents expressed their overwhelming support for the setting…’
‘High expectations for each child are fully met…excellent communication…role modelling by older children…’
‘A calm and purposeful working atmosphere…a fresh and exciting environment…gentle and cooperative behaviour…’
‘Many exceed age-related expectations…good social skills…happy to play independently…’
In each area of focus the School is judged to be EXCELLENT (the highest grade)
‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.’
‘Pupils engage actively in accessing the wide range of learning opportunities that is made available to them within and beyond the classroom.’
‘Pupils have high levels of oral communication and presentation skills; they express their ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and with good humour.’
‘In music, drama, art and sport the pupils show outstanding levels of achievement strongly aided by the multitude of opportunities available to them.’
‘In some areas of the academic curriculum, the progress of more able pupils is slower when feedback is limited or challenges lack full rigour.’
‘The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.’
‘Pupils are reflective, set high expectations of themselves and display confidence and resilience.’
‘Pupils eagerly and willingly give of their time and energy to help others within the community, especially those younger than themselves.’
‘Pupils appreciate the needs of others less fortunate than themselves and engage enthusiastically in charitable endeavours, both locally and internationally.’
‘Pupils display high levels of respect and empathy towards their peers and all members of the school community.’
‘Recommendation for improvement: enable all pupils, particularly the more able, to identify the next steps in their learning by sharing best practice regarding target setting and feedback.’