Ballard is a thriving and welcoming independent day school. A multi-award-winning school, set in 34 acres between the New Forest and the Solent on the Hampshire / Dorset border, we have been shortlisted by the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

Crowned Co-educational School of the Year in October 2024, Ballard has reached the finals for Sport (2023), Performing Arts (2022), and Student Wellbeing (2021). In 2025, we retained our School Games Mark Gold status, were finalists for the ISA Award for Fine Arts and Design, and the MTI Award for Musical Theatre Provision. Our Eco-Ambassadors also achieved Eco School’s Green Flag status with Distinction. So, what makes an award-winning education?

At Ballard, we believe abilities and intelligence are not fixed – all can flourish and excel when given the tools and environment to develop self-knowledge and resilience. We provide a vast array of opportunities and we believe, what sets us apart is we empower and inspire our pupils to seize them.

We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking curriculum, providing an aspirational, academic and holistic education. Our staff inspire and guide our young people, challenging and supporting them in equal measure.  The School’s drive to deliver a first-class education, with a close eye on the future, is shaping our ambitious investment and development plans.

Our pastoral care is rooted in kindness and respect, and underpinned by Christian values. The Ballard family’s wellbeing is central to the ethos of the School. Our inclusive approach to school life values individuality and fosters generosity of spirit; our young people look out for each other and the wider community.

Ballard educates the whole child, providing a wide range of sporting, cultural, artistic and academic clubs and activities. Our aim is to ignite passions and develop skills, identifying and unlocking every child’s inner genius.

Essentially, Ballard is a happy school where all members of our community thrive.