Ballard School

I was a student at this school for just over 2 years. I joined following (or more precisely, because) I had just gone through the worst period of my life at my old school. Not even a week passed of me being at Ballard and I was smiling again, and every day that passed it just got better and better. They encouraged my abilities, the teachers genuinely cared, and eventually by the end of my time there I was friends with almost everyone in my year and many in the year below, I was the happiest I'd ever been and was flourishing in any way possible. To say this school changed my life is an understatement. It is by FAR the best thing to have ever happened to me. I think of the ten best months of my life, at least 9 were at Ballard, and it is not a coincidence. I cannot praise this school enough.

I have nothing but praise for Ballard. My daughter left last year and the transformation that occurred throughout her time was nothing short of miraculous. Having become anxious at her Prep School having been told that she wasn’t good at maths and science, she joined Ballard in Year 9. They immediately ‘got her,’ supported her and allowed her to fly. With the right balance of care and cajoling she started to enjoy school again, throwing herself into sport, the arts and DofE. Academically they also pushed her to be her best and she got great results. Her confidence grew so much that she chose to go to boarding school for sixth form and is flourishing. The life skills she learnt at Ballard have enabled her to make the most of her opportunities. We are currently visiting Universities, and I am so proud of her as she talks confidently about her next steps to lecturers. I know that she will do well, whatever she chooses to do with her life.

What a wonderful school! I cannot praise it enough.

Terrible experience when we were so excited of joining this private school. The early years/primary seems ok but the senior school is toxic and those in charge are smug and lack professionalism. They deny any bullying and I do not think the leadership do anything to promote a balanced, harmonised and inclusive environment. I would avoid at all costs! as there are many other options around the wonderful area.

it's a great school and a great enviroment

Our experience of Ballard was disappointing. We have two very different children. One was awarded a scholarship and they fell over themselves to accept him but I felt they were unable to deliver higher academic challenges so he went to grammar school. Great for children in the middle band. Our other child has high functioning autistim, social and communicational skills are not a key issue for him but his and our experience left me pretty astonished. They have failed to move with the times in this regard and they risk dropping behind because the wider world is becoming far more skilled in understanding the needs and challenges of all children. They live in a bubble that doesn’t reflect the wider world. We have experienced different schools in London and Dorset who have skilled up and developed their offer. The line we are a family but we have to be a profitable one is a harsh but honest analysis of where they stand. So consider what works for your child

AWFUL! They say that you are SEN friendly, but victimise SEN kids and stop them from doing what they like, e.g, extracurricular actives. They kicked me out because of my mental health issues overnight, and their excuse was that I was a threat to the pupils and staff, something they soon regretted saying. Do not send your child to Ballard! Please!