Ballard School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Ballard School is an independent day school welcoming boys and girls aged between 1 and 16. Set in a rural location, the school has grown from an amalgamation of schools and is run as an educational charitable trust governed by a board of governors. There is no boarding provision or Sixth Form. The school is academically non-selective and places a strong emphasis on performing arts alongside a broad curriculum. It has a well-established learning support department, and a significant number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive specialist help. Support is also in place for pupils with English as an additional language, as well as for those identified as the most able or as having particular talents in areas such as sport and performing arts. Ballard School aims to provide a nurturing environment rooted in Christian values and a genuine concern for others. It seeks to help every pupil achieve their personal best, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of responsibility towards their community — laying foundations that extend well beyond their time at the school.

At Ballard we do not allow pupils to use their mobile phones on site. Ballard has 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.