Senior pupils benefit from a forward-thinking STEM programme that prepares them for GCSE success and future study:
– Expert teaching by GCSE subject specialists
– Industry-standard facilities for Design Technology, Science, and ICT
– Innovative projects such as the Joel Penkman Indulgence Project, where pupils design food-themed products inspired by Art
Our pupils consistently exceed expectations, with GCSE Design Technology grades averaging 2–3 levels above target.
Beyond the curriculum, pupils engage in STEM co-curricular opportunities, including:
– Engineering challenges
– Science clubs and competitions
– Design Technology enrichment
At Ballard, we believe in equipping every pupil with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Our STEM programme is a cornerstone of that vision — inspiring curiosity, fostering independence, and unlocking future potential.
At Ballard all Arts subjects can be taken at GCSE and we have consistently strong results in all subjects. Senior pupils have outstanding opportunities to perform in both plays and musicals as well as the biennial dance show. Scholars have additional opportunities in recitals and at our Scholars’ Showcase.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in a wide range of Arts-related co-curricular activities during the day and after school.
Alumni return to help our pupils too, whether running a workshop or performing in the orchestra or choir, they pass on their knowledge and experience.
At Ballard we continue to provide opportunities for a wide-range of sports but also encourage fitness and training. Our huge range of co-curricular activities widens the appeal of sport to everyone.
We offer exceptional mentoring and coaching opportunities and we promote excellence in sportsmanship, independence and team play throughout.
For this age group pupils, are encouraged to coach younger pupils alongside the PE team to develop empathy and understanding of what is needed to be successful in sport and the wider world. By providing this opportunity, we see children flourish both as mentor and mentee with the older pupil in particular gaining a deeper understanding of the game.
Having opportunities to compete at a wide-range of sports at school gives them the confidence to extend their abilities and compete for development squads and senior teams.
The development of club links is incredibly important and we see many pupils strive to win places in representative teams for district, county and national level.
We also offer GCSE Physical Education where most pupils start the course in Year 9; focussing on their selection of a mixture of team and individual sports.
Academic Life comes to the fore in the Senior School, with GCSE exams and decisions on next steps.
A rigorous election system helps select the new Head Boy, Girl and deputies. Prefects and House Captains take their duties seriously and many pupils become mentors and role models for those lower down the school.
There is a real sense of camaraderie at Ballard. With a huge range of opportunities open to all including the Duke of Edinburgh awards, pupils enjoy Ballard Life to the full. Our trips programme adds to this enjoyment with New York and Washington being particularly popular. Other highlights include the Year 11 Prom.
