Set within 34 acres of woodland and playing fields on the Hampshire / Dorset border, Ballard is a thriving and welcoming co-educational independent day school for children aged 2 to 16. Ballard is rated ‘Excellent and Outstanding’ in all ISI inspection categories (the highest accolade any school can achieve). 

Believing firmly that all young people should aspire, be challenged and thrive both inside and outside the classroom, Ballard provides a bespoke education for all its pupils based on Christian values. Providing them with responsibilities is another key part of the educational experience, and the School provides this across all areas, especially through its mentoring programme. This academic year alone Ballard was; a finalist for both Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts (ISOTY) and Excellence and Innovation in Art and Design (ISI); Highly Commended for Outstanding Sport (ISA); and shortlisted for Co-Educational Independent School of the Year (ISOTY). Notably, the extra-curricular programme is a significant strength of the School. Whether it’s clubs, workshops, lectures, trips, or holiday camps, there are opportunities for all. The variety of activities is widely praised by students and parents alike, and are valued in their own right.

In the past few years, Ballard had restructured its leadership, improved its financial position, and invested heavily in educational technology. Going forward, the School’s drive to deliver a first-class education, with a close eye on the future, will continue to shape its ambitious investment and development plans. With exciting new projects under consideration, now is an exciting time to join Ballard.

The Governors are the charity trustees and also directors of the charitable company. They are responsible for the overall management and control of Ballard School including the setting of aims and objectives, strategy, and policies, reviewing performance, budgeting and compliance. 

The key duties of Governors are to:

• Ensure that the School complies with its governing document (its Memorandum and Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, pursues its objects as defined in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Contribute actively to the Board of Governors by giving firm strategic direction to the School, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting and evaluating performance against agreed targets, working as an effective team, and using the appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions
• Make sure that decision making processes are informed, rigorous and timely, and that effective delegation, control and risk-assessment, and management systems are set up and monitored
• Exercise a clear, agreed and effective approach to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the School and through their own practice
• Safeguard the good name and values of the School
• Ensure the financial stability of the School
• Support the School through exercising their skill and knowledge as a member of one or more of the School's standing committees

Ballard School seeks two new Governors from the education sector. The School welcomes candidates who are either currently in a leadership role or recently retired, to maintain its exceptional academic standards. Candidates from independent primary or secondary education are welcome.

The successful candidate will be a senior-level educationalist and will serve on the Education Committee. Candidates should ideally have experience as a current or former Headteacher, Senior Deputy of a successful independent school, or Executive Headteacher managing a group of independent schools. An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent sector would be particularly useful. Those actively seeking career development, including Deputy Heads aspiring to Headship and individuals interested in joining school boards, are encouraged to apply. Candidates from higher education backgrounds are also welcome, provided they possess experience in independent schools.

Although prior Board experience is valued, Ballard School welcomes applications from first-time non-executives. Above all, the successful candidate will share the School's aim to ignite passions and develop skills, and to identify and unlock every child’s inner genius.

For a list of current Governors, please see here. 

There are three Board meetings per year (one per term) in March, June and November. Meetings tend to be around three hours each, and start at 2pm. Additionally, Governors will sit on either the Education Committee or the Finance & General Purposes Committee, each of which also meets three times per year. Board and Committee meetings take place in person at the School. The appointment is for a three year term. The role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed. 

Candidates will be able to attend in-person meetings and be UK-based. 

Ballard School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.