Ballard Sport provides an inclusive, award-winning provision of Physical Education and Games to all pupils from Nursery to Year 11 by specialist staff in outstanding facilities.
Our impressive on-site facilities include an International standard Astro pitch, 18m heated outdoor swimming pool, extensive playing fields, including Cross-Country trails, cricket nets, gym, Sports Hall, and basketball, netball, and tennis courts. We have a proud sporting heritage of Alumni, who have competed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we are committed to inspiring the next generation of Ballard pupils to unlock their sporting brilliance and support their wellbeing now, and for the future.
We create an environment that encourages positivity, respect, and determination to inspire and support each other to be the best we can be. Pupils, whatever their ability, are included and educated on how to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
Through a breadth of meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences, we all belong to Team Ballard, and we’re proud to do so. Our commitment to Sport for All, empowers pupils to excel in physical activity and beyond, starting in Nursey with specialist dance, PE, and gymnastics, and progressing throughout the school years to a broad curriculum and tailored Games Pathways for fixture and leisure opportunities.
We have a rich and child-centred programme, educating pupils through PE, rather than just simply teaching sport. The chance to educate, inspire, and share pupils’ journeys in realising their own potential, abilities, and passions is something we thrive on. We firmly believe that everyone has the ability to be a ‘champion’ at whatever level or pathway they participate in. Therefore, regardless of ability, every pupil belongs to and represents both their house and the school.
Mr Wood – Director of Sport
Mr Wood graduated from the University of Bath with a degree in Sports Performance before completing his PGCE at Buckingham University. His passion for sport is evident through his extensive experience both as a player and coach.
Rugby is Mr Wood’s predominant sport, having represented Bath University, the Scottish Exiles, and Spearheads 7s and now he coaches as part of the Bath Rugby PDG programme. Beyond rugby, he has competed at county and regional level in athletics and cross-country, showcasing his versatility and breadth of sporting experiences.
Away from competitive sport, Mr Wood enjoys skiing and surfing during the holidays and is an enthusiastic tennis and padel player. His broad sporting background underpins his dedication to providing Ballard pupils with outstanding opportunities to develop their skills, confidence, and love for sport.
If you would like to contact Mr Wood to discuss Sport @ Ballard, you may email him here.
Sport in Pre-Prep
We have a rich and child-centred programme, educating pupils through PE, rather than just simply teaching sport. The chance to educate, inspire and share pupils’ journeys in realising their own potential, abilities and passions is something we thrive on.
The Ballard Sport journey begins at Nursery with specialist teaching in PE, Dance and Gymnastics, which through creative and fun lessons, pupils explore and grow their fine and gross motor skills to make the very best start to their physical education. By Reception through to Year 2, pupils will find themselves with a Football at their feet, Hockey stick in hand and Rugby ball teed up as they learn the fundamental skills of our core games.
Sport in Lower Prep
At Ballard Sport, we create an environment that encourages positivity, respect and determination to inspire and support each other to be the best we can be.
We firmly believe that everyone has the ability to be a ‘champion’ at whatever level or pathway they participate in. Therefore, regardless of ability, every pupil belongs to and represents both their house and the school.
Throughout the Lower Prep, our pupils’ understanding of team games evolves as they work together in frequent friendly fixtures and festivals proudly representing the Ballard badge and showcasing their new learning.
Sport in Upper Prep
The environment we create which encourages positivity, respect and determination to inspire and support each other to be the best we can be continues to flourish within the Upper Prep.
Pupils, whatever their ability, are included, and educated in how to lead a healthy, active lifestyle now, and for the future. Through a breadth of meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences, we all belong to Team Ballard and we’re proud to do so.
Pupils continue to proudly wear the Ballard colours in a broad range of sports with fixture opportunities on the local, regional and national stage. Our fixtures pathway epitomises inclusivity as we tailor opportunities in all sports for pupils to look forward to and enjoy their weekly Games afternoon. For instance, within our seven Year 7 & 8 Boys Rugby teams we field teams playing touch, T1 and contact rugby to support and challenge all pupils to feel confident in the game.
Sport in Senior
Our commitment to ‘Sport for All’ empowers pupils to excel in physical activity and beyond as we progress through the school years to a broad curriculum and tailored Games pathways for fixture and leisure opportunities.
Outstanding opportunities allow pupils to find their passion and showcase their individual talents. Our leisure pathway begins in Year 9, offering unconventional activities, including canoeing, mountain biking and paddleboarding.
Our fixtures pathway provides inclusive opportunities for all pupils to belong to a team and participate at a bespoke level from district to national competitions. Beyond the fixtures pathway and outdoor pursuits of our leisure pathway, our on-site leisure activities provide experiences which support and challenge our pupils to new levels of learning and lifelong sports, including boxercise, korfball, and ultimate frisbee.
