Ballard School

The school’s ethos is rooted in Christian values, emphasizing kindness, respect, and the wellbeing of the whole child. It aims to provide a forward-thinking, holistic, and aspirational education that fosters individuality, curiosity, and a sense of community. The school seeks to unlock every child's potential by challenging and supporting them in equal measure.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, covering linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human, social, physical, and creative areas from Early Years through to GCSE. Specialist teaching is provided from the earliest years, and the school offers the flexibility to tailor pupil pathways. Subjects include Business Studies, Design & Technology, Food Preparation & Nutrition, ICT & Computing, Mathematics, Science, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Textiles, English, French, Geography, History, Religious Studies, and Spanish.

Ballard maintains a strong focus on academic excellence, recently celebrating GCSE results where half of all grades achieved were 9–7, significantly exceeding the national average. The school was named Independent Co-educational School of the Year 2024–25 and has received awards for excellence in sport, fine art, and the performing arts. Alumni have gone on to compete at Olympic and Paralympic levels.

The school provides an inclusive environment that supports pupils with individual learning needs. Staff are committed to stretching the most able while offering tailored support to ensure every child is challenged and supported according to their needs.

Ballard is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2–16. Entry is available across various year groups, with key entry points at Nursery, Reception, Year 3, and Year 7. Offers are made on a best-fit basis following a Taster Day or the Year 7 Admissions Day, and registration is required prior to these assessments.

The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, with half-term breaks scheduled in each term. The academic year concludes in early July with Speech Day.

Set on a 34-acre campus, the school features a historic Arts and Crafts-style main building alongside modern resources. Facilities include four senior science laboratories, a junior science lab, a Design & Technology suite with 3D printers and laser cutters, two art studios, a textiles studio, and two food technology suites. Sports facilities comprise a full-size sports hall, an Olympic-sized Astro pitch, expansive sports fields, a heated swimming pool, multi-use courts, and a gymnastics facility. Performing arts resources include a 170-seater theatre with professional lighting and sound, a dance studio with a sprung floor, and music technology suites. The grounds also feature two Forest School sites, a Victorian Water Garden, and adventure playgrounds.

The school provides over 175 co-curricular activities each week, spanning sporting, cultural, artistic, and academic interests. Offerings include music, drama, dance, textiles, Forest School, Beach School, and various sports such as football, rugby, cricket, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, netball, and basketball. Pupils also participate in competitive events, such as triathlons and athletics championships, and have opportunities for charity work and leadership.