Ballard School Fernhill Lane, New Milton, BH25 5SU, Hampshire 01425 626900

registrar@ballardschool.co.uk www.ballardschool.co.uk Featured news and articles

School type	Co-educational Day Preparatory, Senior & Nursery
Founded	1895
Headmaster	Mr Andrew McCleave
Co-ed Age Range	2-16 years
Number of pupils	453
Day fees per annum	£3,455 - £6,355 per term (please see website for full details)
Average Class Size	10–18
Associations	IAPS, ISA, ISC

'Simply the best school every day.' – Parent

'There is only one word to describe Ballard and that is "extraordinary!"' – Pupil

'A warm, friendly school in a glorious setting, where pupils enjoy their learning, throw themselves into a plethora of activities and have fun. The performing arts are outstanding, and children seem genuinely sad to leave for pastures new at 16.' – Good Schools Guide

Ballard is a multi-award-winning, day school, set in 34 acres between the New Forest and South Coast. Ballard's dynamic leadership has turned 'excellent & outstanding' (ISI) into exceptional.

Recognised by the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards, Ballard won Co-educational School of the Year Award (2024), having reached the finals for Sport (2023) and Performing Arts (2022). Ballard also reached the finals of the Independent School Association's Award for Fine Arts and Design and the MTI Award in Musical Theatre Provision. So, what makes an award-winning education?

Teachers at Ballard believe abilities and intelligence are not fixed – all can flourish and excel when given the tools and environment to develop self-knowledge and resilience. With over 150 co-curricular activities each week, from archaeology to Duke of Edinburgh, and many trips, pupils are encouraged to try something new. Fantastic facilities include an Olympic-sized Astroturf, swimming pool, Forest Schools, five science labs, three libraries with two librarians, 3D-printers, an iMac studio and a 200-seater performing arts centre. Ballard provides a vast array of opportunities but what sets it apart is how Ballard empowers and inspires pupils to seize them. With four alumni at the Paris Olympics (two medalling), pupils have gone onto remarkable things including successful authors, an international opera star and a pop band.

Ballard offers the perfect balance. Classes are large enough to facilitate lively, challenging lessons, yet small enough so that every pupil is known, allowing staff to help pupils successfully develop academically and pastorally. By encouraging them to be the best they can be, Ballard nurtures well-rounded, happy individuals with a healthy outlook on life.

The success of their approach is reflected in consistently superb GCSE results: with a 95% pass rate (9–4), across all pupils and all subjects, 35% attaining the top grades (9–7), and an average 0.79 added value for each pupil, across all subjects. Inspirational teachers give up weekends and holidays to provide additional revision sessions.

Staff believe in Ballard's mission – to ensure that no child gets left behind, encouraging pupils to think of others, contribute positively and make the world better. The school's values are instilled from the start: be positive, kind, curious, respectful, responsible, honest and safe. New pupils quickly feel that they belong and when they leave in Year 11, Ballard pupils do so with a powerful sense of self, equipped to build a bright future in our fast-changing world.

With key entry points in Reception, Year 3, and Year 7, find out more about Life@Ballard, contact our friendly Admissions Team; email Registrar@ballardschool.co.uk or call 01425 626900.

"It's hard to put into words what Ballard does which ignites the sparkle in the children's eyes! The way you help nurture confidence in children is incredible. I love how opportunities are given and how our children reach out and grasp them. Ballard really does nurture the whole person so a child can excel in multiple aspects. As a parent, it's joyful to see your child flourish in so many ways. We've always said our priority is to have happy and confident children and seeing them bounce into school shows that this is happening!" (Parent)