Summer Term Highlights 2026
From the Headmaster’s Study
Welcome to our Summer Term Highlights. As a superb academic year draws to a close, this is a chance to take a moment to reflect on the many experiences, achievements and memories that have shaped life at Ballard over the past term. These highlights are a testament to the exceptional staff who create such opportunities and, above all, to our remarkable pupils, whose curiosity, kindness and willingness to embrace new challenges make Ballard such a special place. Whether taking part in activities week adventures, performing in the summer variety show, or competing and celebrating together during our sports for all days and swimming galas, our pupils continue to make the very most of every experience on offer. Happy reading. Mr Stuart Turner Headmaster
April & May 2026
Ski Trip Thirty -two of our lovely Year 9 and 10 pupils enjoyed a fantastic ski trip to La Plagne over the Easter break, blessed with bluebird skies and an incredible 28 cm of fresh powder snow. The progress made over the week was outstanding, with beginners finishing the trip as confident high intermediates and the intermediate group pushing into advanced stages. Our advanced group rose to an extra challenge by competing in the ESF Slalom, where Ben Gambi claimed an impressive win against competitors from other schools. Off the slopes, pupils made the most of evenings bowling and taking part in a week -long Traitors game, which quickly became a highlight of the trip. It was a brilliant week of skiing, laughter and lasting memories for everyone involved. A huge thank you to Mr Fenton for organising such a fantastic trip.
You can see some of the action from the slopes here. You can also view the photobook here.
Cambridge Trip “A group of our Year 7 and 8 Scholars visited the Cambridge University Festival, where they had the opportunity to attend inspiring STEM talks delivered by academics from the University. The experience was highly beneficial in raising aspirations, broadening academic horizons and helping pupils to understand how their current studies link to future pathways, while also supporting confidence, independence and critical thinking. Throughout the trip, pupils’ behaviour was exemplary; they were attentive, respectful and fully engaged with the sessions, asking thoughtful questions. We were very proud of them and hope they had a wonderful time.” Miss Anna Clarke (Head of Food Technology)
Psychology Presentation “We were delighted to welcome Katie Humphreys, BA (Hons), SAC Dip, SAC Cert, Sports Psychologist, a renowned specialist in mind training for sports, to deliver a scholar and laureate workshop before Easter.
Katie works with many of the top athletes in Britain as well as influential people in the sporting and business world, so we are very grateful for her time. Her workshop explored the powerful connection between our thoughts, words and performance. Drawing on principles from performance psychology and elite sport, the workshop helped participants understand how belief, self -talk and mindset directly influence how we think, feel and perform. We explored how fear is often rooted in the stories we tell ourselves, and how, by becoming aware of our language and thought patterns, we can shift from limitation to possibility. Through practical tools and real examples from sport and performance psychology, we learnt how to build confidence, move beyond fear and access a more focused, resilient state of mind. The principles are universal – whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage in music or performing arts, or in everyday life. When we learn to train our mind as deliberately as we train our skills, we unlock a powerful truth: wherever the mind goes, the body will follow.” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
Year 7 & 8 Careers Day “Years 7 & 8 pupils recently took part in an engaging careers workshop delivered by The Inspirational Learning Group (TILG) in partnership with British Airways as part of the Future Airline Challenge. During the session, pupils stepped into the role of business teams to design their own airline concept. They explored key areas such as branding, budgeting and decision -making, gaining a real insight into how a major airline operates behind the scenes. Rather than simply learning about jobs, pupils experienced the kinds of challenges faced in careers across aviation, including marketing, finance, engineering and management. The workshop aimed to build awareness of essential employability skills, with a strong focus on teamwork, communication and problem -solving. By working within realistic constraints and presenting their ideas, pupils developed confidence and a better understanding of how their school subjects link to future careers. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. They encourage pupils to think more broadly about their aspirations, while equipping them with the practical skills and mindset needed for the modern workplace.” Miss Rothwell (Science Teacher and Careers Lead). You may watch a short video
here.
Construct and Create – Inspiring the Builders of Tomorrow “Year 8 and 9 pupils took part in an exciting, hands -on careers experience designed to bring the construction industry to life. Working in teams, they explored a range of real -world roles through interactive activities, from design and planning to practical building challenges. The event gave pupils the chance to develop key skills, meet industry professionals, and discover the wide variety of career pathways available in construction. By combining creativity, teamwork and problem -solving, Construct and Create offered a fun and inspiring insight into a dynamic and essential industry.” Miss Rothwell (Science Teacher & Careers Lead)
GCSE Revision Sessions Thank you to all our amazing teachers who gave up their time during the holidays to run our GCSE Revision sessions. There were some very creative techniques being used. Good luck to all our Year 11 pupils.
Wildlife Discovery Morning We were delighted to welcome families into our grounds last Saturday for our first Woodland Discovery Morning. Children from 2 to 10 years old enjoyed all that was on offer, including Forest School crafts at our two Forest School sites, our woodland walk, a Nature quiz by the pond, planting seeds in the Pre -Prep garden, listening to stories, woodland crafts, crazy golf on the tennis courts, a science discovery table, and a special visit from Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre. Well done to our incredible Year 10 helpers (some of whom are pictured below) and Charlie (Year 7) who helped make this such a fabulous event.
Ballard Teams Shine at the Bryanston Triathlon Congratulations to the 56 pupils from Years 3 -8 who competed in the Bryanston Triathlon, with Ballard proudly fielding the largest number of teams at the event. Collectively, our 14 teams raised an incredible £4,821 for charity through their efforts and determination. A special mention goes to the Year 7 team, Bush Potatoes with a Cherry on Top, who were recognised by Restless Development as one of the event's top fundraising teams after raising an outstanding £1,140. Well done to all involved for such a fantastic achievement both on and off the course.
STEM @ Ballard
Maths Challenge Success Ballard mathematicians enjoyed another year of success in national maths competitions. In the Junior Maths Challenge, over 60% of participants earned Bronze (15), Silver (4) or Gold (4) certificates. Twelve pupils then progressed to the Junior Kangaroo, the highest number Ballard has ever entered, with three pupils achieving Bronze certificates and a further five missing out by just one mark.
Senior pupils also excelled in the Kangaroo Maths Challenge, a demanding follow -on round for top performers. Their efforts were rewarded with two Silver certificates, one Bronze Certificate and a further Bronze certificate in the prestigious Pink Kangaroo competition. These excellent results reflect the enthusiasm, resilience and problem -solving skills of Ballard's mathematicians across all year groups.
Bebras Coding Challenge Success Last term, groups of Year 8 and Year 9 pupils took part in the Bebras Coding Challenge, tackling 10 Python -based programming challenges in just 45 minutes without any external support. Congratulations to Daniel (Year 9), who achieved a Gold Award with an outstanding score of 36 points, successfully completing eight of the ten challenges and placing in the top 10% nationally. This was a fantastic achievement in a highly competitive coding competition.
Silverstone Trip “Scholars and Laureates in Years 9 and 10 attended a trip to Silverstone as part of Ballard School's STEM provision. The visit gave pupils the opportunity to experience an F1 simulator on the iconic circuit, explore the Silverstone Museum and take part in hands -on STEM workshops that examined the many components involved in designing and building a Formula 1 car. The day was topped off with pupils having the chance to walk part of the Silverstone circuit itself. Opportunities like this allow pupils to see how STEM subjects are applied in the real world and help bring classroom learning to life.” Mr Cornwell (Head of DT and STEM)
Trip to Winchester Science Centre Year 1 and 2 had a wonderful time at Winchester Science Centre recently. They started their day with a brilliant workshop on sound. It was a loud, interactive session that explored how we hear sound and process it. The children experimented with weird and wonderful gadgets and created their own soundscapes to match the pictures they were given. They needed to visit the recombobulation room afterwards! They also had the opportunity to travel through space in the planetarium. It was a great way to finish off the spring term, and the children behaved excellently.
Year 2 Fractions “Year 2 has started their fraction topic in Year 2 by making a fraction wall.” Mrs Bellion (Pre -Prep Teacher)
Year 7 DT Sweet Machines
Year 7 Cookery - Lentil Soup “Year 7 pupils have been enjoying making carrot and lentil soup, developing their confidence using the hob and hand blender safely. The lesson promoted healthy vegetarian cooking and introduced pupils to lentils – an ingredient many were trying for the first time. This is always a very popular recipe, and pupils love the rich, warming flavour.” Ms Clarke (Head of Food Technology)
Year 4 Learn About Electricity and Circuits “Year 4 has been learning about electricity and complete circuits. The children then had to test different materials to see if they lit up a bulb and so were a conductor and not an insulator.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher)
Year 9 Explore Energy Storage and Transfer Year 9 pupils used Hot Wheels tracks to see how energy is stored and transferred as the cars travelled along the track. They discussed how the chemical energy in the battery -powered launcher was converted into kinetic energy to set the cars in motion. They observed how gravitational potential energy at the top transformed into kinetic energy as the cars accelerated. As the cars moved, they also identified thermal energy being dissipated due to friction between the wheels and the track.
Arts @ Ballard
Mary Poppins Junior Our recent production of Mary Poppins Junior brought together every pupil from Years 3 to 6 in a vibrant performance across three shows. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork, as they worked collaboratively to bring this much -loved musical to life. Taking part in a production of this scale helps pupils build resilience, communication skills and a strong sense of responsibility - all of which extend far beyond the stage and support their wider development.
It was especially meaningful to reflect that our current Year 11 pupils once performed Mary Poppins Junior themselves, staging their production in a marquee during COVID restrictions. In fact, three members of our current Head Prefect team had principal roles: our Head Girl as Miss Andrews, our Deputy Head Boy as Mr Banks, and our Deputy Head Girl as Mary Poppins. Although our Head Boy was not at the school at that time, he too has benefited from performing in our senior productions, most notably taking the lead role in Grease. Together, they exemplify the confidence and leadership these experiences help to foster. We are incredibly proud of all our pupils for their enthusiasm and commitment, and grateful to our staff for making the production such a success. You can view the programme here.
Alexander Technique “Our Performing Arts Scholars and Laureates enjoyed a talk and demonstration on the benefits of Alexander Technique, delivered by Olivia Simpson, a local practitioner. Alexander Technique is a well -established practice that seeks to improve posture and movement to reduce harmful habits. Focusing on ‘thinking actively’, Alexander Technique is frequently taught in Music and Performing Arts conservatoires to help performers develop habits that will reduce muscular tension and pain. Some of our Senior pupils will be undertaking a 10 -week course in Alexander Technique during the Summer term as part of our Laureate programme.” Mrs Gray (Deputy Head – Co -curricular and Operations)
Year 8 Day of the Dead Alebrijes “Year 8 pupils are putting the finishing touches on their vibrant Day of the Dead Alebrijes , adding intricate Posca pen pattern details inspired by Mexican folk art. Alebrijes are brightly coloured, fantastical creatures that often combine features from different animals, such as a dragon with butterfly wings or a lion with fish scales. Pupils began by designing and constructing wire armatures, before building up form with newspaper and strengthening their sculptures using mod -roc plaster bandage. Now complete, the sculptures are bursting with bold colours, patterns and textures, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and cultural inspiration.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art)
Year 8 Creative Careers Workshop in Art “Year 8 students recently took part in an exciting workshop delivered by representatives from the University of the Arts Bournemouth (AUB), introducing them to the wide range of creative career pathways available both after GCSE and at university level. AUB, a world -renowned institution for excellence in the creative arts, offers an impressive variety of degree courses, from performance and dance to animation and design -based disciplines. During the session, pupils explored different courses and watched inspiring videos featuring alumni who are now working successfully within the creative industries. They also learned about the significant economic contribution of this sector, which added £124 billion to the UK economy in 2023. To conclude the workshop, students applied their knowledge in a practical design task, creating their own concepts for a coastal -themed festival. It was a highly engaging and informative experience that inspired many to consider future opportunities within the creative industries.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art)
Year 9 Textiles 3D Printing “Year 9 pupils have been exploring the use of digital technology in Art by incorporating the laser cutter into their architectural drawing project. Inspired by the work of artist and illustrator Che Kumar, pupils selected their own buildings and recreated them in his distinctive style. Their drawings were then scanned and cut using the laser cutter, allowing them to layer their designs over brightly coloured papers to create striking collage outcomes. Pupils have particularly enjoyed combining traditional drawing skills with modern technology to further develop and refine their work.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art)
100% LAMDA Distinctions & Competition Success Congratulations to all our talented pupils who took part in the Bournemouth Performing Arts Competition, and to our wonderful LAMDA teacher, Tina Witham, Principal of Swish, who directed and supported them throughout. This success follows another outstanding year of LAMDA examinations, with Ballard pupils once again achieving a fantastic 100% Distinction rate. Our pupils enjoyed exceptional success across the competition: Poetry (Key Stages 1 & 2) Gold – Sophia (Year 3) Silver – Thomas (Year 5) Duologue Acting (Key Stages 1 & 2 ) Gold – Jack (Year 5) and Thomas (Year 5) Bronze – Lewis (Year 6) and Joe (Year 6) Poetry (Key Stages 4 & 5) Gold – Eleanor (Year 10) Dramatic Performance (Key Stages 4 & 5) Honours – Eleanor (Year 10) Youth Speech and Drama Champion of the Year (Key Stages 4 & 5) Silver – Eleanor (Year 10), missing the top spot by just one point to an Upper Sixth student. These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication, confidence and performance skills of our pupils, as well as the exceptional guidance and support they receive through Ballard's LAMDA programme. Well done to everyone involved.
Sport @ Ballard
National Tennis Success “Jasmine and Joseph (Year 10) travelled to Essex to compete at the ISA National U15 Tennis Championships last Friday and they both did exceptionally well. Jasmine delivered a superb individual performance, winning an impressive five matches on her way to the final. In a closely contested championship match, she narrowly missed out on the title to finish as ISA U15 National Girls’ Runner -Up - a fantastic achievement against strong national competition. Joseph was equally exceptional throughout the day. He progressed through both the group stages and knockout rounds in dominan t fashion, dropping just three games across the entire morning from 6 matches. He carried this form into the final, where he na rrowly lost in a hard -fought match, earning the title of ISA U15 National Boys’ Runner -Up. In the afternoon, Jasmine and Joseph joined forces to compete as a mixed doubles pair in the boys’ competition. Demonstrating excellent teamwork and resilience, they secured a brilliant bronze medal finish, capping off a highly successful day. Across the tournament, both Jasmine and Joseph competed in 11 matches each, showcasing remarkable endurance, skill and determination in challenging, sunny conditions. A fantastic day of tennis and a tremendous achievement for both players on the national stage - well done, Jasmine and Joseph!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
Skiing Success “After last week’s success at the English Schools Indoor Ski and Board Championships at Hemel Hempstead, our boys have been back on the slopes, winning gold for Ballard.
“We are delighted to celebrate our Year 10 pupils, Zachary and Ben’s outstanding achievements at the National Schools Ski League Outdoor Finals in Gloucester on Friday. Simply qualifying for this prestigious national event – featuring 128 of the top young skiers from across the country – was a tremendous accomplishment, but both boys went even further, finishing an exceptional 5th and 6th. Their combined results secured 1st place for Ballard in the Senior Boys category, a truly remarkable team success. Their performances reflected great resilience and determination in challenging conditions, firmly placing Ballard on the national ski circuit map! Congratulations to both boys, who have also been selected to join the National Schools Snowsports Association Alpine Squad for the 2026/2027 season – a third year in a row for Zachary and second for Ben! All focus is now geared towards the UK Independent Schools Indoor Ski Champs at Hemel Hempstead next month!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
Gang Warily “Well done to our fantastic Years 5 & 6 runners who competed at the New Forest Cross Country event at Gang Warily on Thursday. In glorious sunshine, the team tackled a challenging 1.8km course with great determination and team spirit in jam -packed races of over 100 runners. Congratulations to our top 10 finishers: Evie, Austin and Josh, who all achieved an outstanding 5th place; Jasper, who finished 7th; and Oran, who crossed the line in an excellent 10th place. Our Year 5 boys also won silver in the team competition! A huge congratulations to the whole team for their effort and enthusiasm: Year 5 – Evie, Tommy, Jasper, Sterling, Oran and Austin. Year 6 - Ella, Talia, Iris and Josh. You all represented the school brilliantly and we are very proud of you all!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
Co -curricular Highlight - Golf
“Our Golf activity group has begun. The first session was a putting lesson that aimed to ease the players into the simplest, yet often most frustrating, element of the game. Tom (Year 8) confidently demonstrated his skills in the initial challenge.” Mr Winch, Lower Prep Teacher
Life @ Ballard
Year 7 Shakespeare Festival “Last half term, Year 7 pupils worked extremely hard in their English lessons, learning about the life and times of William Shakespeare and exploring why his work remains so influential today. Alongside this, they were introduced to Shakespearean language, themes and characters, dipping into some of his most famous plays and developing their understanding of how language, context and performance bring his writing to life. This year’s Shakespeare Festival, organised by the English Department, provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to showcase the outcomes of their individual projects and celebrate everything they have learned. The range of creativity and effort on display was truly impressive. Highlights included: scale model Globe Theatres, Elizabethan recipe biscuits and cakes, Shakespeare Top Trumps, original costume designs, and a beautiful musical performance of Greensleeves, alongside many other thoughtful and imaginative projects and artefacts. A huge well done to all of Year 7 for their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment - a wonderful way to celebrate Shakespeare during his birthday week.” Ms Maughan (Head of English)
Duke of Edinburgh “Pupils from Years 9 and 10 took part in their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions. Blessed with sunny weather, pupils set up camp, stayed overnight, and completed their walks across the beautiful New Forest. The evening was spent stargazing, while during the day they enjoyed the gorgeous sunshine, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience - and an important part of their Duke of Edinburgh journey. The next step is their assessed expeditions, which will take place in the coming months.” Mr Elliott (Lower Prep Teacher, DofE Co -Ordinator)
Dragons’ Den “The English Department recently ran an exciting Dragons’ Den competition with our Year 8 pupils, and the results were hugely impressive. Working in small groups, pupils were challenged to design and pitch a healthy breakfast cereal aimed at children. As part of the project, they researched existing products on the market and considered key commercial elements such as advertising strategies, brand design, profit margins, and customer satisfaction. Each team then presented their product to our resident Dragons, confidently explaining their ideas and justifying their business decisions. Throughout the competition, pupils put into practice the persuasive writing and speaking skills they have been developing in English lessons over the past half term. The Dragons were full of praise, commenting on how professional, confident, and well -prepared the presentations were. The quality of ideas and the commitment shown by all groups made judging extremely difficult. We are delighted to announce that the overall winners were The Cinni Minis, who impressed the Dragons with a strong concept, clear branding, and even went the extra mile by producing their own television advertisement. Well done to all of Year 8 for their enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork – a fantastic showcase of learning in action!” Ms Maughan (Head of English)
Young Lives vs Cancer – Fundraising Update Congratulations to Harrison, Arthur, Andrew and George, whose Gameathon fundraiser has raised more than £1,300 and who were featured in a story in the Daily Echo online.
Congratulations also to our Year 8 Prefects, who raised £529.46 through their cake sale for this worthy cause.
Year 2 - Planting dwarf sunflower seeds for our garden “In September 2025, we gathered dwarf sunflower seeds from some of the sunflower heads in the Year 2 garden and put them in seed packets that we made and saved them. This week, we have planted our seeds, watered them, and then put them on the windowsill so they could get some sunshine. We are looking forward to seeing them sprout and then grow so we can create our own Van Gogh sunflower garden!” Mrs Bellion (Pre -Prep Teacher)
Year 6 Rainforest Creations “Year 6 pupils have thrown themselves into our rainforest topic with an impressive burst of creativity, producing a stunning collection of rainforest models that have brightened our classrooms. Many pupils went the extra mile by preparing detailed models of rainforest creatures at home, arriving armed with jaguars, toucans, rafflesia flowers and even the occasional poison dart frog to incorporate into their scenes. What has stood out most, though, is the purposeful and mature way they have approached their work in class. From carefully planning the layers of the rainforest to thoughtfully selecting materials that would bring their ideas to life, they have shown real focus and pride in what they are creating.” Mrs Wright (Geography Teacher)
Schools for Sierra Leone “Schools for Sierra Leone has been created by Ballard School as a sub -charity in conjunction with the charity Street Child. Last year, we raised funds and purchased a shipping container to fill with obsolete educational items that we would then ship to Sierra Leone for schools in need. So far, Ballard has worked with other schools, with our minibuses bringing items from far and wide. St Neots Prep, Sandroyd , Royal High School Bath, Plymouth College and St Mary's Calne have all donated items. With the container nearly full, we were waiting for the weather to improve so the Ballard DT and Art pupils could paint it. This was completed yesterday with great enthusiasm and some collateral damage to clothing... The container still has some residual space which once filled will then trigger the shipping to Sierra Leone. We will keep the community abreast of any updates.” Mr Robinson (Director of Estates)
Year 7 Explore Pond Close Stream Our Year 7 geographers swapped the classroom for wellies and headed to Pond Close Stream, which runs through the school grounds, for an exciting afternoon of fieldwork. Working in small groups, pupils measured the stream’s width and depth at different points to investigate how the channel changes downstream. Using measuring tapes, metre rulers and keen observation skills, they collected data, discussed their findings and experienced geography first-hand. Back in the classroom, they have been applying their results by creating scaled cross -sections and analysing their data, helping to bring key geographical concepts to life. The fieldwork provided a fantastic opportunity to develop teamwork, enquiry skills and a deeper appreciation of the natural environment on their doorstep.
Reasoning Club with Mr Turner In our Reasoning Club this week with Mr Turner, pupils went head -to-head in a competitive round of The 1% Club. The pupils were challenged to think laterally as they tackled a range of logic -based questions. The game focuses on reasoning and common sense rather than general knowledge. With lots of smiles and some great lateral thinking, everyone had a wonderful time.
Beach School “Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Beach School, having fun together. Some children were busy making a channel in the sand near to the shoreline; they communicated well to plan, test and adapt the channel, demonstrating great collaborative skills! Others were busy collecting beautiful shells and counting them as they put them into a bucket to wash them and then compare them with each other. Their beach experience helps the children to develop confidence, teamwork and problem -solving skills in a meaningful way.” Mrs Jane Hunt (Head of Pre-Prep)
Bug Hotel Building “With the onset of the spring weather, Years 1 & 2 can hold more lessons outside in our fabulous grounds. Nature is very much a part of the site here at Ballard and bug hotels are a fantastic way of helping our creeping and crawling friends. With some help from staff, the children were able to create a fantastic structure and fill it with inviting habitats. Timber offcuts, hose pipe, foraged pinecones and sticks were all put into position and held in place with chicken wire. The children knocked in staples to hold the wire in place with varying degrees of success. The finished product looks great and new tenants will no doubt be moving in this weekend.”Mr Robinson (Director of Estates)
June 2026
Celebrating Our Second Consecutive Eco -Schools Green Flag with Distinction We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the Eco -Schools Green Flag with Distinction for the second consecutive year – the highest accolade in this internationally recognised programme.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our Eco Ambassadors, whose leadership continues to drive our sustainability journey. A standout moment this year was their participation in the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion, where pupils, some as young as seven, interviewed leading marine scientist Professor Matt Frost. They asked thoughtful questions on issues such as single-use plastics, sustainable shipping, and carbon capture, earning high praise for their insight and confidence. Alongside this, pupils have engaged in a wide range of environmental initiatives, including developing our water garden, tree planting with the Woodland Trust, creating an apiary, and exploring food miles. Younger pupils contributed through projects such as a Year 2 bug hotel and participation in a global conservation art competition. We have also taken practical steps to reduce our environmental impact, including introducing electric minibuses. Eco-Schools assessors commended both the breadth of our work and its real -world impact. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to building on our success and empowering our pupils to lead positive environmental change.
Explorer Benedict Allen Inspires Pupils at Ballard Ballard was delighted to welcome back renowned explorer and author Benedict Allen to launch his new children's book, Nine Times I Nearly Died. Pupils from Reception to Year 6 enjoyed an immersive jungle -themed experience in Forest School, where they learned about Benedict's adventures in the Amazon, Orinoco and New Guinea, explored survival techniques and even helped construct and cross a rope bridge.
Benedict also captivated pupils in a special assembly, sharing remarkable stories and photographs from his expeditions around the world, sparking curiosity and inspiring questions about exploration and adventure. The day concluded with a book signing for families, while an evening lecture on his Arctic expedition enthralled staff, parents and guests. It was a memorable visit that brought the spirit of adventure vividly to life across the school. You can view the video of the day here.
Thriving Minds Trip Eleven Year 7 and 8 Academic Scholars and Laureates recently attended the Thriving Minds study day, The One with Quantum, at Holme Grange School. Exploring quantum physics and philosophy side by side, pupils tackled topics ranging from wave -particle duality and Schrödinger’s cat to debates on free will, justice and ethics. Designed to stretch curious and ambitious learners beyond the curriculum, the day challenged pupils to think rigorously, question assumptions and distinguish the fundamental from the trivial. All pupils engaged enthusiastically throughout the event, embracing the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and intellectual creativity. A special congratulations to Christopher H, who confidently addressed an audience of more than 120 pupils from schools across the region during the Quantum Science and Philosophy Conference, presenting his arguments in the debate, ‘Does free will actually exist?’ Mr Marker (Head of Science, Pupil Engagement and Most Able Co -Ordinator) For more details, please click here: UK Intermediates – The One with Quantum – Thriving Minds
Ballard 30 It was wonderful to welcome so many families to celebrate 30 years of Ballard. The school was buzzing with activity, with pupils, parents, staff and alumni enjoying a wide range of exhibits, performances, sport, interactive activities and refreshments that showcased every aspect of school life. From heritage displays and a 1990s -themed photo booth to innovative STEM projects, live performances and charity fundraising, the event was a fitting celebration of Ballard’s past, present and future. Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered and helped make the day such a memorable success. We are delighted to share our Ballard 30 video here.
Move Up Day It was wonderful to welcome so many new pupils to Move Up Day. With 90 new pupils joining us in September, it was lovely to see so many new friendships forming throughout the day.
Prefect Dinner Celebration The Prefect Dinner provided a wonderful opportunity to thank and celebrate our prefects for their outstanding contribution as role models and pupil leaders throughout the year. Joined by Year 11 tutors and members of the Senior Management Team, pupils enjoyed a delicious meal before hearing a thoughtful speech from Deputy Head Prefects Aurelia and Ollie, who reflected on their experiences, the importance of pupil leadership, and their time at Ballard.
Prom It was truly wonderful to welcome our Year 11 pupils back for their prom, held at the beautiful Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst. Everyone looked wonderful. Parents and staff joined our pupils to celebrate with drinks on the lawn before the pupils were left to enjoy an evening of fun and festivities. We are so proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing them all again on GCSE Results Day.
STEM @ Ballard
Pizza Making “Year 7 are getting hands-on in Food Tech, making pizza from scratch while developing key kitchen skills. From kneading dough and shaping bases to practising food safety and understanding nutrition, pupils are building confidence, independence and creativity - all while learning how simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, balanced dish. And they enjoy eating the pizza!” Miss Clarke (Head of Food Technology).
Cycling Science Project “Year 6 are completing a Science project in their lessons at the moment all about cycling. In groups they had to suggest an idea to investigate and then design an experiment to carry out and test their question. They then have to use their results to draw a conclusion and present their findings to their teachers and peers. The children have come up with various questions to explore such as: what types of tyre materials work well on different surfaces, which fibre makes the best brake, which types of clothing keep you coolest on a bike and which bell is the loudest? They are working towards the Ballard STEM awards where they can get a certificate and also win special trophies. Some great teamwork has been going on so far.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher)
Year 4 Survey Their Habitat “Habitat survey work for Year 4. We braved the heavy showers and went to investigate the organisms on the woodland trail. We used lots of different equipment, including pooters, metre rules, quadrats and nets. We also set up a pitfall trap. The children found lots of exciting invertebrates and sucked up a few, too much excitement in the pooters! The rain then stopped our investigation.” Mrs Greaves (Prep School Science Teacher)
Bronze Crest Award – Ecosystems Year 8 pupils have been studying ecology on the school grounds this week as part of their Bronze CREST Award. Here they are exploring the ecosystem that exists within the Ballard pond.
Funko Boxes “Year 8 pupils have been exploring a range of workshop tools and machinery to design and manufacture their own Funko Pop -style money boxes, inspired by their favourite pop culture characters. Throughout this project, pupils have developed practical skills in joinery, learning how to accurately measure, cut and assemble finger -jointed boxes. They have also applied creative techniques in decorating and finishing, bringing their unique character designs to life with impressive attention to detail. The results are a collection of imaginative and highly personalised pieces that showcase both technical craftsmanship and creative expression.” Miss Skelton (Deputy Head of Upper Prep and DT Teacher)
Arts @ Ballard
Variety Show “Around 150 pupils from Years 3 – 11 took part in our al fresco Variety Show, set against the beautiful backdrop of our Victorian Water Garden. True to its name, the evening offered a wonderfully varied programme, with audiences enjoying everything from Musical Theatre favourites and contemporary dance to physical theatre, harp performances, handbells and even a murder mystery written and directed by Year 7 pupils. We were incredibly proud of how the pupils embraced the move outdoors and rose to the challenge of performing during the heatwave. They brought energy, enthusiasm and sensitivity to every performance, creating an evening filled with memorable moments. Many pupils showcased their versatility by appearing in multiple pieces across different genres, while their strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie shone throughout the event.” Mrs Gray (Deputy Head - Co -Curricular and Operations) You may watch a short video
here.
Year 3 Dragon Eye Art – The Finished Pieces Our Year 3 Dragon Eye artwork is now on display in the foyer of the main building. The final pieces are imaginative, expressive and full of personality, and we are delighted to showcase them for all to see.
Matilda
Our Scholars and Laureates thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the Mayflower in Southampton to watch the award -winning West End production of Matilda. “It was really good -an excellent production and it was inspiring, as we are doing a lot of Matilda songs in Drama Club. It also taught me a few different dance moves.” Laureate, Year 7
Musical Dance Reception pupils were enjoying their music lesson as they rehearsed for their upcoming Summer Showcase.
Year 8 Self-Portrait Mono -Printing “Year 8 pupils had an exciting introduction to mono -printing this week, building on the photography skills they have been developing throughout the term. Working in pairs, pupils have been learning how to take thoughtful photographs around the school grounds, focusing on basic techniques such as lighting, composition and creating an effective pose and background. They have now begun translating these images into monoprints, experimenting creatively with mark -making and texture. It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they explore how an original photograph can be transformed into a unique printed piece, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop these ideas across a range of processes.” Mrs Hitchens (Head of Art)
The Mighty Duo “Congratulations to Daniel B and Isaac J, two of our Year 8 Music Scholars, whose piano and flute duo, The Mighty Duo, brought joy to local care home residents through a series of summer concerts. Their final performance at Engleburn Care Home was warmly received, with residents praising both their remarkable musical talent and engaging performances. Already performing at Grade 8 level, Daniel and Isaac demonstrated exceptional musicianship, professionalism and community spirit throughout the programme. Their efforts have been so appreciated that they have already been invited back next term. Thank you also to Sue Cowell, Natalie, Neil Fox and Jack Paul Jackson for their support in making these performances possible.” Mr Prangnell (Head of Music)
Year 3 Mixed Media Owl Project “Year 3 have just finished a mixed media owl project. They have learnt how to draw from secondary sources,
thinking about size, shape and proportions, as well as using a mixed media moon and stencilling their chosen backgrounds. I think they look ‘twit -twoo-tastic’!” Miss Jackson (Art Teacher)
Reception Clay Bees “The Reception children have become very excited about our bee topic and have shared their enthusiasm with their parents. We have learnt about bees and can identify the head, thorax and abdomen. We have also made clay models using different joining techniques, drawn bee illustrations and written captions to accompany our drawings. The children also visited the Ballard bee hives with Jack, our apiarist, who told us all about our bees and showed us the queen bee.” Mrs Edwards (Pre Prep Teacher)
VMT Mini Concert and Workshop “Years 3 to 6 pupils recently enjoyed an inspiring music workshop led by our Visiting Music Teachers, specialising in strings, woodwind and brass. After captivating performances and introductions to the instruments, pupils had the opportunity to take part themselves, culminating in a whole -group performance of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. The workshop provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience the joy of making music together, building confidence, creativity and collaboration while having great fun.” Mr Prangnell (Head of Music)
Sport @ Ballard
Tennis Champions “Congratulations to our U15 Mixed Tennis team, who were crowned New Forest Champions following an outstanding performance at the District Tennis Tournament on Thursday at Totton and Eling Tennis Club. The team secured impressive victories against Noadswood , Hounsdown , Applemore and Ringwood, demonstrating excellent skill and teamwork throughout the afternoon in treacherous conditions. A special mention goes to Joseph R and Jasmine R, who remained undefeated across all their matches, showcasing exceptional consistency and composure. Alice D and Reuben S also played a vital role in the team’s success, winning nearly all of their games and contributing crucial points. A fantastic achievement for all involved. Well done to the entire team!” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
10 Lions heading to the Gothia Youth World Cup “Congratulations to the 10 Ballard pupils selected to represent England through the Prep School Lions programme at the Gothia World Youth Cup this summer. Bringing together talented independent school footballers from across the region, the Lions programme provides high -level coaching, training camps and fixtures against professional academies and representative sides. A particular highlight is the opportunity to represent England at the Gothia World Youth Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious youth football tournaments, featuring teams from over 80 nations. Alongside international competition, players benefit from expert coaching and workshops covering nutrition, sports psychology and injury prevention, supporting both their athletic and personal development.
Congratulations to Paolo, Toby, Bodhi, Josh, Luke, Daniel, Cian, Matthew, Mac and Euan on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to following their journey with pride.” Mr Wood (Director of Sport)
Athletics Success “Pupils from Years 7 to 11 also took part in the New Forest Athletics competition at Southampton Sports Centre, representing Ballard with both pride and determination. Despite the challenging weather, spirits remained high throughout the day, and every athlete delivered a fantastic performance. All relay teams got into the final, but this was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather. There were several standout moments throughout the day, with six gold medals and 22 podium finishes. Well done to everyone that took part. You should all feel proud of your efforts.” Miss Bottell and Mr Moysey (Head of Girl’s and Boy’s Games)
Athletics – National Success Ballard athletes enjoyed an exceptional athletics season, achieving 34 medals, six school records and 11 national qualifiers at the highly competitive ISA London West Athletics Championships. Their regional success earned places at the ISA National Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where pupils competed with distinction against some of the country's best young athletes. Highlights included Isaac A (Year 8), who was crowned National Champion in the 80m hurdles, and Sofia R (Year 8), who secured a bronze medal in the discus while setting a new school record. Ballard's athletes also played an important role in helping the ISA London West team become overall National Champions, making this a truly memorable year of athletics success.
Co -curricular Club Highlight
- Boxing
The terrace was full of energy as pupils took part in another exciting boxing session with our partners, MKD Boxing. This activity gives pupils the opportunity to build skills, strength, coordination and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. With pads raised and gloves on, pupils embraced the challenge - learning new techniques while encouraging one another every step of the way. It is a fantastic example of active learning in the fresh air, combining fitness, focus and teamwork, and most importantly, plenty of fun.
Ballard Scuba Dive Club Success Zach F, Josh K, Sam H (Year 10) and Theo L (Year 9) went to Vobster Quay lake near Frome to complete their PADI Open Water diving certification. Although the weather was lovely and sunny, the water temperature was only 15 degrees at the surface and below 12 degrees at six metres down. Well done to you all.
Nursery & Kindergarten Sports Days “On Monday, the Nursery and Kindergarten Sports Day took place in the warm morning sunshine. The children enthusiastically participated in a series of track races on the Pre -Prep field, demonstrating their developing running skills and agility as they navigated hurdles and worked together to pass quoits in team relays.” Miss Romain (Head of Nursery to Year 6 PE and Games). We have also created a short video for you all to enjoy here.
Year 3– 6 Sports Day Years 3 to 6 pupils enjoyed a fantastic Sports Day, competing in sprint races, distance runs, the running long jump and the vortex throw. Despite the heat, pupils demonstrated outstanding determination, resilience and enthusiasm, showcasing the progress they have made throughout the term while striving to achieve their personal bests. A huge congratulations to all the athletes for their efforts and achievements. Thank you also to the staff and parents whose support helped make the event such a success. Miss Romain (Head of Nursery to Year 6 PE and Games). You may watch our short video here.
Year 11 Hockey Trip “We took 13 enthusiastic hockey players to the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre to watch England’s men’s and women’s teams take on Argentina and Australia. After an early start and a lengthy journey involving trains, the Tube and a walk to the stadium, the group arrived just in time for the first match: England Men versus Argentina. Played at a fast pace under bright sunshine, the match ended in a 1– 1 draw, leading to a dramatic shootout. In this format, players face the goalkeeper one -on-one with eight seconds to score. Thanks to some outstanding saves from the England goalkeeper, the team emerged victorious, securing an important bonus point. Next came the women’s match. Despite a strong effort, and with the heat taking its toll, England were unable to find their rhythm and were defeated 3 – 0. Nevertheless, the Ballard pupils thoroughly enjoyed watching hockey of such a high standard. A particular highlight for four of them was the opportunity to step onto the pitch afterwards for a brief stick -and-ball session. Although it was a long and busy day, the group —made up of three Year 8s, eight Year 10s and two Year 11s —had a fantastic experience. They represented the school brilliantly and were a credit to Ballard throughout, especially in the way they conducted themselves while navigating the busy London transport system.” Miss Romain (Head of Junior PE and Games)
Life @ Ballard
WOW! Year 5 had a wonderful day based on the book The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, which they are currently reading in English lessons. The story is about four children who are in a plane which crashes in the Amazon jungle. Will they survive? And has somebody been there before them? They all dressed up as characters from the book, Amazon explorers or even jungle animals.
Activities involved making mini rafts and testing them in the stream in the woods, den building, insect tasting, jungle cooking, identifying deadly insects, and designing and following maps around the school grounds. A great day was had by all!” Mrs Reeve (Lower Prep Teacher ). You may watch our video here.
Nature@Ballard We often see several birds and animals at Ballard. Here are a couple of recent visitors with thanks to our budding photographers, Mr Turner and Mrs Macey.
Year 3 Build Roman Roads Miss Hiscock delivered a fantastic hands -on history lesson, where the children created their own Roman roads using layers of sweets to represent the different materials. The activity brought learning to life, helping the children understand how Roman roads were carefully constructed, while also sparking creativity and enjoyment. A memorable and engaging way to explore history.
Geography Field Trip “Year 10 geographers visited Milford -on-Sea in the warm weather to collect data for their GCSE fieldwork. They measured the rate of longshore drift, completed beach profile surveys and measured the amount of sediment on either side of the groynes to evaluate how effective they are at reducing the rate of longshore drift.” Mr Harrowven (Head of Geography)
Flying Club Success “This week, pupils in the British Young Pilots classes completed Module A of their Intermediate course. This marks the completion of a term of hard work, during which we have looked in detail at the forces of flight, the weather and pressure instruments. There has even been a flight challenge, navigating low level through the Grand Canyon in a fighter jet. We look forward to pupils returning in September for Module B, where we will explore airfield operations, air law and navigation, including a cross -country challenge.” Chris Bolland -Munro (Course Leader, British Young Pilots)
July 2026
Award-Winning We are delighted to announce that Ballard School has been named Global 100's Best Education Management Business of the Year 2026 (UK) and has also been commended in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards (ISOTY) 2026 in the Regional Independent School of the Year: South category. These accolades reflect Ballard's values-led approach, academic excellence and broad co -curricular opportunities. The ISOTY commendation marks our sixth consecutive year of recognition, following national finalist placements in Performing Arts (2022) and Sport (2023), and our Co -educational Independent School of the Year win in 2024.
Trips Week Wow, what a week of fun for our pupils. From Hurst Castle to Valencia, pupils from wide range of exciting experiences. You may view our Trips Week Special here.
Pre-Prep to Year 9 enjoyed a
Work Experience Week "I have developed integrity, problem-solving, teamwork, initiative, responsibility, communication, patience, organisation, time management, leadership and confidence." – Year 10 pupil
Meanwhile, all 64 Year 10 pupils completed their highly successful Work Experience Week, undertaking placements across the So uth of England, from London and Surrey to Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall. Spanning more than 15 sectors, including engineering, education, cyber security, finance, hospitality, conservation, creative media and professional sport, the experience provided valuable insight into a wide range of career pathways. Throughout the week, pupils embraced new challenges, developed workplace skills and gained hands -on experience in real working environments. From welding and architecture to teaching, marketing, conservation and watersports instruction, pupils were trusted with meaningful responsibilities and made a positive impression on employers, who praised their professionalism, enthusiasm a nd willingness to learn. The experience helped pupils build confidence and develop key employability skills, including communica tion, teamwork, leadership, problem -solving and organisation. We are enormously grateful to all the employers who supported our pupils and helped make this such a valuable and inspiring part of their education.
STEM @ Ballard
Heroic Year 6 Mathematicians This week, the pupils had to find all 11 nets of a cube! We have never had a class find all 11 before: “They were amazing in their tenacity and persistence, teamwork and the shriek of celebration as we found number 11!!” Mrs Brebbia (Maths Teacher)
Arts @ Ballard
Art Trail We are delighted that a selection of work created by our Class of 2025 GCSE Art and Textiles pupils will feature in New Milton's first -ever Art Trail, taking place from 1 to 15 August 2026. Organised by the Friends of New Milton Station, the trail will showcase the work of 76 artists across venues throughout the town, including Ballard's Mrs Hitchins and Mrs Perry. Ballard pupils will also have images of their artwork displayed on a special poster at New Milton Railway Station alongside work from other local schools. This exciting community celebration of creativity will also include a programme of events, including New Milton's Landscape Artist of the Year competition. We are thrilled that our pupils are taking part in this landmark event and encourage everyone to explore the trail and support local artists if they are in the area during August.
Pre-Prep Showcase The Pre -Prep Showcase was a wonderful celebration of the children's achievements in music, dance and gymnastics. Parents enjoyed a varied programme featuring musical performances, including a lively Morris Dance, percussion pieces and singing, alongside a fantastic rendition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and a high -energy finale to David Bowie's Let's Dance. The children also showcased their gymnastics skills in a Toy Story -themed performance, demonstrating rolls, balances, cartwheels and handstands while celebrating the importance of friendship and teamwork. Filled with confidence, creativity and enthusiasm, the showcase reflected the hard work and progress the children have made throughout the year and was a fitting celebration of their many talents. Well done to all the Pre Prep children on their exceptional performances.
Cyanotype Photography Project “As an Art Department, we have been exploring new technologies and unusual creative processes, and this term we took the opportunity to combine Art and Science through the fascinating process of cyanotype photography. Cyanotypes are one of the earliest forms of photography, creating striking Prussian blue images using light -sensitive chemicals and ultraviolet light. Year 8 pupils created photographic -negative self-portraits, which were then transformed into cyanotype prints using sunlight. Many pupils developed their work further by adding symbolic backgrounds and decorative borders, resulting in highly personal and imaginative final pieces. The recent sunny weather provided perfect conditions for developing the photographs in just five minutes (while pupils sensibly waited in the shade!), and the outcomes have been stunning. We have been incredibly impressed by the creativity, enthusiasm and technical skill shown throughout this exciting cross-curricular project.” Mrs Hitchins (Head of Art)
Golden Ticket We were delighted to welcome over 100 pupils to auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, our Year 7 – 11 production for 2027. The standard was exceptionally high, with an incredible depth of talent on display across all year groups. As a result of the sheer quality of the auditions, we have taken the exciting decision to dual -cast the production, giving even more pupils the opportunity to take on leading roles. Both Charlies and both Willy Wonkas discovered they had been cast in true Wonka style, finding a coveted Golden Ticket hidden inside a Wonka chocolate bar. The excitement and anticipation around the production are already building, and we cannot wait to begin rehearsals and bring this magical story to life.
Sport @ Ballard
Game, Set and Match for Year 9 and 10 “Year 9 and Year 10 pupils enjoyed a fantastic trip to Wimbledon, where they had the opportunity to watch three highly competitive matches on Court 1, including men's doubles and wheelchair doubles contests. The students also explored the outside courts, taking in matches from the U14 and U18 tournaments, which gave them a great insight into the future stars of the sport. It was an exciting and memorable day for everyone, and the students were a credit to Ballard, acting as excellent role models throughout the trip.” Mr Moysey (Head of Boys' Games).
Swimming Galas From Reception to Year 8, all pupils had the opportunity to compete in our House Swimming Galas. With plenty of fun, some impressive performances and even several new school records, it was wonderful to see so many pupils demonstrating such confidence in the water.
Sport for All Day (Years 7 -10) “Our annual Sport for All Day for Year 7 – 10 pupils highlighted the inclusivity and breadth of opportunities on offer. Throughout the morning, pupils rotated between four activity zones, choosing events in which they felt confident to participate and earn poi nts for their house. Activities included Athletics, Crazy Golf, Tug of War, Water Polo, Rounders, Tennis, Volleyball, and Laser Tag. Congratulations to Setthorns, who were the overall winners with 380 points, followed by Holmsley (344), Broadley (323), and Wilverley (318). We also celebrated two Year 8 record -breakers on the day: Isaac A (Year 8), who set a new record in the 300m, a nd Sofia R (Year 8), who broke the Shot Put record.” Mr Wood (Director of Sport). You may watch our video here.
Pre-Prep Sports Day “A wonderful opportunity for our young athletes to showcase the skills they have been developing throughout the Summer Term and to demonstrate the progress they have made through their hard work and practice. Pupils competed with enthusiasm, determination and excitement, giving their very best in every event. Their efforts were recognised with bronze, silver and gold stickers, rewarding both achievement and participation. It was a fantastic morning filled with smiles, laughter and happy faces. Alongside some impressive sporting performances, there were countless examples of excellent sportsmanship and resilience. When falls happened, the children showed great determination to get back up and continue racing, while others demonstrated kindness by stopping to help their friends before carrying on themselves. We are incredibly proud of all the children for their positive attitudes, perseverance and support for one another. Pre-Prep Sports Day was a wonderful celebration of sport, teamwork and achievement, and a fitting way to recognise all the hard work that has taken place throughout the term.” Miss Romain (Head of Junior PE). You may watch our video here.
Life @ Ballard
Police Visit “It was wonderful to welcome back Sgt Wood and PC Ainsworth, who brought along their police traffic car and drone for the children in Pre -Prep to explore. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for the children to meet police officers in uniform and see first -hand how approachable and friendly they are. The children also learned about the important role police officers play in keeping our communities safe. One of the highlights of the visit was watching the police drone in action. The children were fascinated to see it fly and enjoyed learning about the many ways it can be used to support police work. There was also a chance for the children to dress up as police officers, which proved to be a very popular activity. It is always a pleasure to welcome Sgt Wood and PC Ainsworth to our school, and we are very grateful for the time they spent with the children.” Mrs Hunt (Head of Pre -Prep)
Year 2 Thank You Cards “Years 1 & 2 wrote and painted thank -you cards for our amazing catering team to show their appreciation for the delicious lunches that we all look forward to. We have lots of favourites, including meatballs, pesto pasta, chicken katsu, rocky road, pavlova and chocolate cheesecake brownies!” Mrs Bellion (Pre -Prep Teacher)
Beach School One of the many highlights of life in our Pre -Prep is Beach School, where pupils enjoy regular trips to the beach to explore, learn and have fun in the natural environment. You can view some of the wonderful experiences they enjoy in our video here.
Speech Day Speech Day is always a highlight of the Ballard calendar, providing an opportunity to celebrate pupils’ achievements and jour neys from Pre -Prep through to Year 11. We were delighted to welcome former Head Boy, Olympic bronze medallist, World Champion and four-time European Champion rower Matthew Aldridge as our guest speaker, whose inspiring message focused on resilience, determination and continuous improvement. Matthew gave some valuable advice to pupils including "Success isn't about being the best every day. It’s about improving every day." You may watch his speech here. The event also featured reflections from Headmaster Mr Stuart Turner on his first year at Ballard and the many highlights of the school year (please watch here), alongside memorable performances from Year 8 musicians Daniel and Isaac, Top Hat Theatre and our Year 11 Choir who performed You Will be Found which you may watch here. Head Boy, Tom and Head Girl, Nina, reflected eloquently on their time at Ballard, sharing memories, gratitude and encourageme nt for those following in their footsteps. Their words provided a fitting tribute to the Year 11 cohort and all they have contri buted to school life. You may watch their speech here.
Alumni News Congratulations to Max Doohan, who is the bassist in ‘Night Tapes’ who performed at The O2 in London, as well as other European cities as the support band for American band, ‘The Neighbourhood.’ Max attended Ballard from Nursery through Year 11 and was an avid drummer and guitarist, playing drums in many of the school musicals. He was also in the band ‘Shrunk in the Wash’ with fellow classmates, award -winning opera singer, Huw Montague Rendall and fellow musician, Tom Morgan. ‘Night Tapes’ songs can be found on YouTube and Spotify.
Ballard alumna and bestselling author Lucy Clarke has revealed details of her latest destination thriller, Wish You Were Here, which will be published in the UK on 11 February 2027.
Set in the remote and dramatic Azores islands in the Atlantic, the novel follows five friends who reunite to honour the memory of Danny Wilder, a charismatic visionary whose death raises unsettling questions. As long-held secrets begin to surface, old loyalties are tested against the backdrop of volcanic landscapes, lush forests and towering sea cliffs. Lucy travelled to the Azores to research the novel, immersing herself in the islands' unique scenery and atmosphere to bring the setting vividly to life. The announcement comes alongside other exciting news for Lucy, with her recent bestseller The Surf House currently being developed for screen by Netflix. Everyone at Ballard congratulates Lucy on her latest publication announcement and wishes her every success with Wish You Were Here and her future writing projects.
Podcast News This term saw the launch of Ballard Blast, our new podcast series hosted by Headmaster Mr Stuart Turner. Across the first three episodes, listeners have gained an insight into life at Ballard from a range of perspectives. The series began with our Head Prefects sharing their experiences of life at Ballard, followed by an episode exploring the wealth of co-curricular opportunities available to pupils. A third episode focused on transitioning to Ballard, featuring pupils from Years 3, 7 & 9 reflecting on their own journeys. Most recently, guest interviewer Mr Whalen spoke with former Head Boy and Olympic medallist rower Matt Aldridge about his time at Ballard and his path to sporting success. The Ballard Blast podcast is available on Spotify here.
GCSE Results Day The Class of 2026 celebrated an outstanding set of GCSE results, underpinned by a remarkable value -added score of +1.38 . To put this into context, a value -added score of around +0.5 is widely regarded as exceptional, making Ballard's performance particularly noteworthy. On average, pupils achieved more than a grade and a half higher per subject than their nationally standardised predictions, demonstrating the transformational progress made during their time at Ballard. These results reflect much more than academic achievement. They are a testament to the hard work, ambition and resilience of our pupils, supported by dedicated teachers who know every child as an individual and help them fulfil their potential. For families considering senior school, we invite you to explore our full GCSE results feature, GCSE options booklet and Results Day video by clicking here.