Meet The Leadership Team
Ballard instils a love of learning, both inside and outside the classroom. It is a caring and inclusive community with pupil welfare at the heart of all that we do.
As a Leadership Team, our role is to support the whole of the Ballard Family by identifying and promoting our values, making sure that learning is given the highest priority and creating opportunities for all. Our primary objective is to ensure Ballard remains a rewarding and positive place for everyone to work, study and thrive. We view the management structure as an inverted pyramid, with the Leadership Team at the bottom apex, supporting the community above. Our young people, of course, sit at the top.
Andrew McCleave, Headmaster
I joined Ballard as Headmaster in September 2018. Prior to Joining Ballard, I held the role of Deputy Head (Academic) at City of London Freemen’s School, a 912-pupil boarding school, and before that, I was Assistant Head (Director of Studies) at the highly academic, all-girl Lady Eleanor Holles School in Middlesex. During my career I have taught at all-boys, all-girls and co-ed schools, and independent, maintained, and grammar schools such as Dulwich College, Emanuel School, King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys in Stratford upon Avon, Lady Margaret School, and Notre Dame School. Whilst I lived in London and Surrey, I was a governor at a primary school and a specialist SEND school. I am married to Catherine and have two grown-up children.
“As Headmaster, my vision is to create a school where every child is truly seen, heard, and valued—a place where they don’t just attend, but belong. In our nurturing and inclusive community, pupils are inspired to grow into confident, compassionate individuals who are ready to shape the world. We believe in educating the whole child—combining academic excellence with a vibrant co-curricular life that sparks creativity, builds resilience, and cultivates character. Through meaningful opportunities and personalised support, we empower each pupil to discover their passions, unlock their potential, and thrive—both in school and far beyond its gates.”
Rebecca Munro, Bursar
After graduating from the University of Portsmouth in Accounting, I began my career as Operations Manager at House of Fraser in Bournemouth, moving into education in 2013 as School Business Manager for a large primary school in Poole. I joined Ballard in 2018 and have leadership responsibility for all the operational functions within School. I have a passion and drive for using our charitable funds to support our amazing young people. As a charitable business, our funds are used to provide our pupils with the best opportunities and educational experiences we can offer. I live with my fiancé Mark and I have three grown-up children.
“As Bursar, my foremost priority is to ensure that our pupils benefit from the highest quality resources and facilities, enabling them to flourish in a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. I am deeply committed to supporting our families, particularly during these financially challenging times. In light of the addition of VAT on school fees, the Board of Governors agreed to a phased implementation. This approach is made possible by drawing on a significant portion of our financial reserves, reflecting our dedication to easing the transition for parents wherever possible.
In parallel, I remain focused on our long-term sustainability goals. The School is firmly on the path toward carbon neutrality, with substantial investments already made in reducing our environmental impact. We will continue to build on this progress, ensuring that our operations reflect both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.”
Victoria Gray, Deputy Head Co-Curricular & Operations
Victoria Gray, Deputy Head Co-Curricular & OperationsAfter graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, I worked as a freelance performer and choral conductor before moving into a teaching career. I joined Ballard first as a peripatetic vocal teacher then returned as a class teacher. I was drawn to the holistic approach of a Ballard education, and that has kept me here ever since! During that time I have been Director of Music, then later Director of Performing Arts leading our award-winning department through many European tours, festivals, competitions and musical productions and I have continued to be involved in the music industry outside of my role at Ballard. Both my children attended Ballard from Nursery to GCSE and benefitted from the wide range of opportunities on offer to them here.
“I am passionate about the benefits of Co-curricular opportunities to a child’s development. My aim is to ensure that our programme gives every child the chance to find a passion that makes them tick and helps to keep them engaged in their education. Whether it be on the Sports field, in the theatre, on trips, D of E, through charity work or a wide range of academic enrichment activities, these opportunities provide our pupils with vital skills, shaping them into well-rounded young people, ready to exist in a challenging 21st Century world.”
Chris Jackson, Deputy Head Pastoral
Chris Jackson, Deputy Head PastoralI hold a Psychology degree from London and bring with me a wealth of experience from both state and independent education. My teaching journey began in a Southampton primary school having completed my PGCE at Southampton University, after which I spent 17 wonderful years at Stroud School, where I held a variety of roles, culminating in my position as Pastoral Deputy. Most recently, I finished several years at King Edward VI School (KES) in Southampton as Head of Wellbeing.
Over the years, I have taught pupils from Nursery through to Year 13, with specialisms in Science, Sport, Psychology and PSHE. Throughout my entire career I have always been focused on the pastoral aspects of education and enjoy nothing more than watching pupils flourish.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast, I have lived and played hockey in Australia and Paris, and I often say hockey is “in my blood.” I also love being in or on the sea, enjoying foiling, windsurfing, and surfing. Outside of school, I am also a fan of dance music and live in Lyndhurst with my fiancée and my three children, aged 3, 5, and 19.
“Everyone needs a ‘why’—something that excites them, drives them, and gives them a reason to jump out of bed and embrace the day. I am passionate about helping children discover their “why” and I believe in using this to ignite enthusiasm and interest in every child. Having a focus gives a purpose and identity that really helps pupils flourish and find their potential.”
John Walter, Director of Curriculum & Assessment
Since graduating from the University of Exeter I have taught Maths & Physical Education at two London schools; Mossbourne Academy and St Thomas the Apostle College where I held leadership positions at both schools as Head of 6th Form. I qualified as an Advance Skills Teacher in 2010 and worked as an A Level Examiner before spending 2018 working at Christian Brothers College in Melbourne, Australia as Head of Teaching & Learning. I joined Ballard in September 2022 and continue to enjoy a wide range of sports, the coast and the New Forest in my free time.
“As the Director of Curriculum & Assessment, I am committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empowers every pupil to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. Through strategic leadership, innovative curriculum design, and data-informed assessment practices, I aim to ensure that every pupil enjoys learning and receives accurate, honest summative and formative assessment throughout their time at Ballard. I strive to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among staff and pupils alike, preparing learners to thrive in whatever future they choose.”
Ollie Rose, Director of Teaching and Learning
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by history. Inspired by my own history teacher, I pursued a BA Hons in History at Swansea University. After graduating, I returned to my hometown of Bath and worked for a local charity that provided open access play schemes for children aged 12-18 in deprived areas. This experience made me realise my desire for a career working with young people.
Combining my passion for history and my newfound interest in working with youth, I decided to pursue a career in teaching. I undertook a PGCE Secondary in History at York University, where I also met my lovely wife. Since gaining my QTS in 2011, I have taught in a variety of educational settings, including a large state comprehensive, an inner-city academy, and an independent international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In 2021, I was delighted to join the Ballard family as Head of History. It has been a real pleasure to be part of this community. Throughout my teaching career, I have been passionate about excellence in teaching. Becoming more involved in whole school teaching and learning felt like a natural progression, and I have embraced this role with enthusiasm and dedication.
“As Director of Teaching and Learning at Ballard, my mission is to ensure every teacher is equipped to deliver high-quality teaching, as it is the most effective way to improve pupil academic attainment. I am committed to achieving the best outcomes for all pupils, and by focusing on how children learn and develop knowledge and skills we can develop teaching approaches that promote long-term retention of knowledge, fluency in key skills, and confident use of metacognitive strategies. These fundamental elements are the cornerstone of effective teaching.”
