Introduction
I am delighted to share highlights of the latest review by The Good Schools Guide. The Good Schools Guide is widely respected for its independent insight into schools, and we are thrilled that it has captured so many of the qualities that make Ballard such a special place. From our commitment to providing bespoke education, to our strong sense of community, exceptional pastoral care, academic ambition and rich co-curricular opportunities, the review reflects the unique experience we strive to provide for every child. Set within the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest, Ballard is a place where pupils are encouraged to flourish, develop confidence and discover their potential. What particularly pleased me is the way the review recognises the dedication, warmth and hard work of our pupils, staff and families. Together, they create the vibrant and supportive community that sits at the heart of the school. I hope you enjoy reading the review and that it offers a valuable insight into the caring, ambitious and forward looking community we are privileged to be part of. Mr Stuart Turner Headmaster, Ballard School
Why we think Ballard School, New Milton, is a good school A joyful, friendly sanctuary in the New Forest, Ballard School boasts beautiful grounds and resources, an extraordinary sense of community and impressive results, with creativity nurtured through exceptional arts' provision that pupils throw themselves into.
Headteacher Mr Stuart Turner Since April 2026, Stuart Turner, previously deputy head (cocurriculum, partnerships and admissions) at Emanuel School for five years. Originally from Somerset, he studied geography at Southampton University, completing anti-poaching charity work in Zambia and a stint teaching English in the Japanese Alps – he credits the latter with his career choice which led to a PGCE and MEd from Birmingham. Began teaching at Merchant Taylors’, Northwood in 2007. He has since been head of geography at Putney High School, assistant head at Alleyn’s and he completed an ‘inspirational’ teaching exchange in Melbourne at Camberwell Grammar School. Cheerful and engaging, he has an easy laugh and says it was ‘glorious’ to join Ballard in a summer term when he could enjoy ‘exploring the school through sports days, variety shows and 30th anniversary celebrations’. Nice to hear that he went out of his way not just to get to know pupils and staff but bus drivers and catering staff too – and he teaches too. ‘You’ve got to lead from a position of strength, not arm’s length.’ Parents describe him as ‘sociable, hugely positive and part of the Ballard family’ whom their children speak highly of. ‘We just wish he had joined sooner!’ Pupils appreciate his new Ballard Blast podcast, a more competitive prefect selection process and the introduction of bushcraft. They say he has focused on
‘maintaining the non-negotiables: a caring, nurturing environment with an exceptional co-curricular offer’. Married with three children (all at the school) and pets galore including Dexter the Goldendoodle, cats, rabbits and fish (the latter homed in a vast fishtank outside his office and the focus for his weekly fish tank club). He credits becoming a parent with realising how ‘influential schools are on family life’. Must be the first head we’ve met who is a qualified cheesemonger and he is also a ‘sports mad’ cricketer, both of which lend an eclectic charm to his office décor and assembly content. Loves to travel with his family, with Cornwall and North Devon among favourite destinations. Must be the first head we’ve met who is a qualified cheesemonger and he is also a ‘sports mad’ cricketer
Entrance & admissions Main entrance points are reception and Years 3 and 7, with spaces in other year groups subject to waitlists (close to full when we visited). ‘Lightly’ selective, with taster days to ensure a good fit. School looks for children ‘who will demonstrate an enthusiastic and positive approach to school’ – no academic tests. Parents praise ‘excellent transition process’.
Exit ‘Vast majority’ of prep pupils progress automatically to senior school. The rest leave ‘reluctantly’ at 16+, their only wish that ‘there was a Ballard sixth form’. They head off to a range of independent (e.g. Winchester College, Canford, Clayesmore and Millfield), state (e.g. Peter Symonds, Brockenhurst and Barton Peveril) and local grammars (e.g. Bournemouth School). Several scholarships awarded annually - sport, drama, sailing and academics most recently. School guidance on choice and application is ‘brilliant’, say pupils.
Teaching & learning ‘If we could design a school, it would be Ballard,’ said one happy parent who, among others, cites the quality of ‘expert’ teachers and opportunities both in and outside the classroom. Ethos is academic, but not pushy – there is ‘pride but not pressure in doing well’, reckoned one parent. Pre-prep is housed in its own spacious building with wooden playset, sandpit and expansive separate garden. Year 8 prefects regularly help out and the atmosphere is warm and calm, with impressive displays of pupil work on every wall – our favourite an enormous New Forest map featuring pictures of each pupil’s' house and places they had visited. We sat in on a Year 2 maths lesson with pupils using real notes and coins to count. Oodles of enthusiasm and hands up. Year 3s were studying the Romans, with pupils reading their descriptive writing aloud, cheered on by their peers, all staying after the bell to hear the last story. Specialist teaching from the off in gym, music, dance, PE and library, with French from Year 1, DT from Year 3 and Spanish from Year 4. Class sizes capped at 20, with average of 15 and we saw one with just 10. Setting from Year 6 for maths and Year 9 for science and languages.
From Year 7, pupils move around for all classes in a warren of low-rise brick buildings where classrooms are a mix of old and new, big and small, some with stained glass windows and most with views of woodland or sports pitches. They choose one language (Spanish or French; Spanish marginally more popular) to be continued to GCSE, with excellent results. Lessons we saw were focused and upbeat – including a Year 5 English class on The Explorer which took place in the beautiful light library (one of two). Nine GCSEs is the norm, with option blocks created anew each year to cater for changing pupil preferences. Twenty-two options altogether, of which DT and business studies are most popular. We saw pupils revising conscientiously in the four science labs – recently refurbed or about to be. Triple science taken by around 20 per cent. Further maths and statistics available as twilight classes after school; FPQ and HPQ also available. Laptops provided on a leasing scheme to all pupils from Year 6, although the school favours exercise books lower down the school, where we noted careful handwriting and excellent presentation. Thoughtful displays in corridors too. Homework ‘feels manageable’, according to pupils – and parents ‘like that it always feels purposeful’. No Saturday school or compulsory prep (something parents and pupils appreciate), but subject clubs available. Ethos is academic, but not pushy – there is ‘pride but not pressure in doing well’, reckoned one parent
Learning support & SEN Thirty per cent of pupils on the SEND register; nine EHCPs when we visited. Primary needs are dyslexia, ADHD and autism. SEN team (which calls itself the Department of Enhanced Learning or DEL for short) comprises eight specialist teachers for dyslexia and dyscalculia, two ELSAs and speech and language assessor, led by ‘extremely organised’ SENCo. Majority of support takes place outside of lessons in small groups or one to ones (the latter at additional cost) but department say they are flexible and organise ‘whatever works best for the individual’. Pupils say team is ‘great at knowing our strengths and only offering help where needed’. Parents say they ‘respond to individual needs without singling out’, ensuring those with SEND are ‘celebrated rather than a problem’.
One parent told us their child gave a presentation on their experience of ADHD to ‘explain to classmates why things might be different for him’ and says this ‘normality of diversity is the school’s superpower’, along with ‘the consistency from PrePrep through to GCSEs’. Plenty of support for staff too, with recent workshops on executive function, neurodiversity and deaf/blind awareness. A small minority of pupils with EAL (six when we visited), supported by a specialist within the DEL team. Parents say they ‘respond to individual needs without singling out’, ensuring those with SEND are ‘celebrated rather than a problem.’
Arts & extracurricular Renowned for the arts, particularly music, with over half the school having individual tuition with 13 peripatetic teachers and everyone picking up at least one instrument to learn in music lessons, and class bands throughout – a great way for pupils to learn, practice and perform songs together, say parents. We saw confident performances of The Lazy Song by a Year 7 class and She’s Electric by Year 8, led by charismatic head of music accompanying enthusiastically on keyboard whilst pupils played guitars and drums or sang into mics, totally unfazed by visitors. Plenty of opportunity to perform at recitals and concerts including at Christchurch Priory. Parents say the culture is ‘practical music-making for all’ and that ‘music is exceptional’. ‘We didn’t even know she was playing the harp until we saw her at a concert: we were amazed!’ said one mother. We noticed a Mac-filled suite and instruments everywhere providing encouragement. Around 20 per cent take music GCSE, with excellent results.
Large performing arts centre features retractable seats, foyer bar and lighting and audio rigs. Our guides proudly pointed to the photo collages of previous productions on the walls that included them, as well as showing us the eye-catching costumes on display throughout the school (everyone can get involved with set design, costumes, props, sound or lighting). Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Grease among recent highlights of the two annual productions (one for Year 11, the other for Years 3 to 6). Parents say they are ‘West End-worthy’ with the run of six shows ‘always sold out’. ‘It feels like a theatre school,’ reckoned one parent who is an actor themselves. Lovely to hear of shy or reluctant children who had auditioned and taken on leading roles – the department prioritises building confidence. A pupil who transferred in from a state school particularly liked this about the school. ‘Everyone just does drama here - it’s seen as the norm and cool.’ Around 16 per cent take the GCSE.
Art, textiles and DT all popular at GCSE – the latter attracting 60 per cent. Beautiful oil pastel Van Gogh sunflowers and Starry Night painting displays alongside Aboriginal artwork adorning the walls of the various studios which boast all the mod cons. Separate photography studio appreciated. Pupils like that they’re given ‘free reign on project choice’. We enjoyed flicking through Year 9 sketchbooks on natural form. Vast offer of co-curricular activities with 175 weekly options at breaks, lunchtime or after school, including popular chocolate-making club, horse-riding, flight club (working up from simulator to flying real light aircraft) and scuba diving. Majority of Year 9 take DoE bronze and around a third of pupils do silver. Parents say the range is 'incredible and say their children 'throw themselves into everything'. Wraparound care available from 7.30am to 6pm, with breakfast, snacks and clubs included. Annual Trips Week sees Years 5 to 9 head off on a residential: this year to Osmington, Chichester, Bude, Normandy, Valencia and Toronto. Younger years have a week of activities and day trips to Paulton’s Park and Marwell Zoo. "We didn't even know she was playing the harp until we saw her at a concert: we were amazed!' said one mother
Sport A proudly sport-obsessed school with athletics, cricket and hockey at the heart. Plentiful on-site facilities include Olympic-sized Astro and extensive playing fields, pitches and courts, plus cross-country trails and dance studio. For cricket, school shares training and facilities with New Milton and Bashley cricket clubs. Eleven pupils were represented in ISA athletics finals in the year we visited, winning hurdles and discus. School also boasts junior national ski champions and pupils can also complete sailing qualifications at Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
But it’s not all about the elite, with parents telling us of dizzying number of fixtures giving all pupils the opportunity to compete. Particular praise for ‘delightful’ match teas, not to mention ‘talented sports teachers who encourage everyone – no awful team picking here; it’s completely inclusive’. Younger ones don’t miss out – we saw a reception class having a whale of a time on an obstacle course in their giant sports hall and a swimming gala underway in heated outdoor pool. Swimming lessons take place in the warmer months for all year groups (inflatables lessons a pupil favourite), although some say they would ‘love an indoor pool’ to swim all year round. Just over a third continue PE at GCSE and sports scholars have a dedicated cabin for strength and conditioning sessions. Most pupils love how sporty the school is, but a handful felt they ‘could have done with slightly less early on’.
Ethos & heritage Located in New Milton on the edge of the New Forest, Ballard originally opened as the Royal Naval School in Lee-on-Solent in 1895, moving to the Great Ballard estate in Hampshire after WWII. Merging with two local schools as Edinburgh House School, it joined nearby Fernhill Girls’ in 1995 and became the current Ballard School. The main school building retains many of the original period features installed by original owners, the Ubsdells, in 1905, including stately fireplaces and staircases. The grounds and location are jewels in the Ballard crown, with 34 rolling acres, three forest school
Snug canteen is packed to the rafters, with staff
settings replete with mud kitchens, firepits and
eating alongside pupils. Pupils ‘love the food,
adventure playgrounds – and there’s even a
especially chicken pesto pasta!’ but some would
Victorian water garden pond for pond dipping and
like the option of packed lunches to dodge long
beach school, held minutes away on the coast at
lunch queues. Our Thai green curry was tasty,
Milford on Sea. Parents say ‘opportunities to go
with a huge serving of strawberry shortcake for
outside are endless’ – several praising the tree-
dessert. Parents love the ‘adult palette menu’ and
climbing philosophy: ‘it’s never a no, just a “don’t
‘excellent gluten free options’, approving that
climb higher than your own height”.
pupils are encouraged to try new things. Plenty of helpings if wanted and we liked the open salad,
Table Tennis tables and picnic benches are dotted
fruit and leftovers bar, plus trolley rolled out by
here, there and everywhere and there’s a poignant
prefects at break with healthy snacks. Lovely to
commemorative garden area which pupils were
see pupils and catering staff joining in with a
keen to tell us is in memory of their friend.
hearty rendition of Happy Birthday to one pupil over lunch.
Parents say ‘opportunities to go outside are endless’ – several praising the tree-climbing philosophy: ‘it’s never a no, just a “don’t climb higher than your own height”.
Pupils look smart in their knee length tartan skirt, dress or grey trousers and navy blazer with red piping (promoted to yellow for head boy and girl). The expectation is a ‘neat and understated appearance’: hair back and no jewellery. Alumni include a number of Olympians and team GB athletes including rower Matt Aldridge, hockey player Tim Nurse, karate champion Carla Rudkin-Guillen, sailor Hannah Snellgrove and windsurfer Emma Wilson.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline Parents say the pastoral team is ‘collaborative’ and note ‘real nurture for the individual’ with ‘happy’, ‘joyful’ and ‘inclusive vibe’ throughout. Much praise for the recently updated PSHE offer, which parents say is ‘more age-appropriate’, delivered in a weekly tutorial. Dedicated Year 6 tutors stay with their group into senior years to ease the transition, which pupils say ‘really helps with the step up in work’. There is a counsellor and a staffed wellbeing suite. Pupils told us they are comfortable talking to staff and say bullying is ‘really unusual’, telling us of helpful assemblies on the topic. No LGBTQ+ or other diversity clubs but pupils say ‘everyone can be themselves’ and that activities are not gendered: ‘It’s normal for girls to play rugby and boys to play netball’. School says Pride club being set up. Behaviour generally very good, with head calling pupils ‘respectful, positive and interested’. Few suspensions and no exclusions in recent years – the focus is to work with families and use a ‘carrot not stick’ approach although school notes ‘zero tolerance’ for discrimination or unkindness. The spacious site means pupils are afforded freedom and parents talk of ‘great respect’ between staff and children. Plenty of celebration and positivity including ‘parties, pats on the back, well dones and awards’. One said the children ‘don’t seem to notice how hard they’re working as they’re too busy having fun and constantly enthused’. The spacious site means pupils are afforded freedom and parents talk of ‘great respect’ between staff and children
Mobile phone policy A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy. At Ballard we do not allow pupils to use their mobile phones on site. We understand that parents may want their child to have a phone whilst travelling. However, the positive impact of not having access to their phones on pupils' wellbeing, friendships and focus is too important to ignore. Ballard has therefore invested in Yondr pouches for all pupils in Years 6 to 11 and anyone else who has a phone. Pupils lock their phones in these pouches during the school day and only open them, using our special unlocking bases, when they leave our site. As part of its commitment to pupil wellbeing, Ballard is trialing phone-free minibus journeys, creating opportunities for conversation, social connection and a calmer start and end to the school day.
Pupils & parents Predominantly white British, pupils are cheerful, polite and proud of their school, chatting animatedly and holding doors and trays for one another (and us). They travel in from up to an hour’s radius – around a third taking advantage of the 16 school minibuses which drop door-to-door around local New Forest villages and further afield. ‘An absolute godsend’, say parents. With New Milton station just a five-minute walk, others take the train in from areas including Brockenhurst, Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester. Local pupils walk or cycle and many are driven in, especially on Mondays when a coffee van in the car park gives parents the opportunity to catch up and chat with staff. ‘Highly-driven’, ‘dual income’ families describe themselves as friendly and welcoming. Many moved for the school – we spoke to those who came from Somerset, London and Hertfordshire for their children to attend. They describe the school as supportive – ‘They make it easy for us with clear weekly comms and straightforward processes,’ said one. Another praised that they ‘never assume Mum is the default parent’. Lots of socialising if you want it – helped by pupil friendships spanning year groups. ‘Highlight of the year is fireworks night, where pupils and staff perform,’ one parent told us. ‘You could drive up in a Ferrari or a Fiesta and be accepted here,’ said one. 'It's not at all elitist.'
Money matters Scholarships from Years 7 to 10 in art, DT, academics, music, performing arts or sports, plus ‘Ballardian allround’, both offering a ‘small, discretionary’ discount on fees. Means-tested bursaries available to current pupils from Year 3.
The last word A joyful, friendly sanctuary in the New Forest, Ballard School boasts beautiful grounds and resources, an extraordinary sense of community and impressive results, with creativity nurtured through exceptional arts provision that pupils throw themselves into.
01425 626900
ballardschool.co.uk
registrar@ballardschool.co.uk