Great Ballard School Review 2026: A Family Centred Education in the South Downs

Set within the flint walled charm of the Eartham estate, Great Ballard School offers a distinctive education that balances academic development with the freedoms of a rural childhood. This co-educational independent school, catering for children from nursery through to GCSE, occupies a Grade II listed manor house surrounded by thirty acres of South Downs National Park. Following a significant transition from a traditional prep school to an all-through provision for ages 2 to 16, it has carved a niche for families seeking a less pressured, more personalised alternative to larger secondary institutions. The atmosphere is resolutely family oriented, prioritising individual confidence and character alongside the curriculum.

The environment at Eartham House is one where history and nature converge. Beyond the grand red brick facade, the school operates with a warmth that feels more like a large family home than a formal institution. The rolling grounds serve as a constant classroom, with pupils frequently moving between the historic main building and the outdoor learning spaces. This setting is central to the school's identity, fostering a sense of calm and perspective that is often missing in more urban educational settings.

Mr Matthew King has led the school since 2021, overseeing its evolution into a full all-through school. The school's motto, Vincit qui se Vincit (He conquers who conquers himself), serves as the guiding principle for personal development. This focus on self mastery and individual growth is evident in the way students interact; there is a visible culture of kindness and mutual respect across the different age groups.

The latest ISI inspection, conducted in 2023, confirmed that the school meets all required standards, particularly noting the strength of student wellbeing and the quality of the pastoral care system. The small school size, with a capacity of approximately 310, ensures that no child is anonymous. Staff know the nuances of each student's personality, creating a safety net that encourages academic risk taking and social confidence.

Nursery Provision

The Great Ballard Nursery provides a gentle introduction to school life for children from the age of two. Integrated into the heart of the school, the nursery benefits from the same thirty acres of parkland used by the older students. The approach is heavily influenced by the natural surroundings, with a focus on outdoor play and discovery that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Specialist practitioners lead the learning, ensuring that the transition from nursery to the Reception class is seamless. Children in the nursery already feel like part of the wider school community, sharing facilities and participating in whole school events where appropriate. For current nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information.

The curriculum at Great Ballard is designed to be broad and engaging, moving away from a one size fits all model. In the primary years, the focus is on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while using the extensive grounds for Forest School and hands on science. As students move into the senior phase, the curriculum broadens to include a range of GCSE options tailored to the small cohorts.

The teaching style is personalised, facilitated by small class sizes that allow for significant one to one interaction. Teachers are able to adapt their pace to suit the learners in the room, whether that involves providing additional support or offering further challenges. This bespoke approach is a primary reason families choose Great Ballard over larger, more competitive senior schools.

The school's academic performance reflects its inclusive and personalised nature. In the most recent measurement period, the average Attainment 8 score was 29.4. Great Ballard School ranks 6th among secondary providers in the Chichester area (FindMySchool ranking), which places it among the middle tier of schools in England (national typical percentile band).

Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side by side using the Comparison Tool. It is important to note that for small cohorts, raw percentage data can fluctuate significantly year on year, and the school's value added metrics often provide a more accurate picture of the progress students make from their individual starting points.

Where Students Go Next

Great Ballard has historically been a feeder for many of the prestigious senior schools in the South East, including Brighton College, Lancing College, and Seaford College. However, with the extension of the school to age 16, an increasing number of students now stay to complete their GCSEs at Eartham.

For those leaving at 16, the school provides dedicated support for transitions to local sixth form colleges and independent senior schools. The focus is on finding the best fit for the next stage of education, whether that is an A-level programme at a larger college or a more vocational pathway.

Securing a place at Great Ballard typically begins with an informal visit and a meeting with the Head Teacher. The school is non selective in the traditional sense; there is no high pressure entrance exam for the younger years. Instead, the admissions process focuses on ensuring the school can meet the child's needs and that the child will thrive in the school's specific environment.

For senior entry, students may be asked to sit assessments in English and Mathematics and attend a taster day. This allows the school to understand the student's academic level and social fit. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is the bedrock of the Great Ballard experience. The school operates a house system that fosters healthy competition and a sense of belonging. Weekly wellbeing sessions are integrated into the timetable, and the school's rural setting is used as a tool for mental health, providing space for quiet reflection and physical activity.

The latest inspection findings highlight that the school provides a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard. The relationship between staff and students is built on trust, and the small school community means that any changes in a student's wellbeing are noticed and addressed quickly.

Extracurricular life at Great Ballard is surprisingly varied for a school of its size. The Great Ballard Challenge encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, participating in everything from public speaking to outdoor survival skills.

STEM: Innovation and Discovery

STEM subjects are supported by dedicated laboratories and a curriculum that emphasises practical experimentation. The school makes excellent use of its grounds for environmental science and ecology projects. Specific clubs, such as the STEM Club and coding societies, allow students to explore technology beyond the standard curriculum.

Sport and the Arts

Sport is a major pillar of school life, with a sport for all philosophy that ensures every child represents the school in fixtures. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and extensive playing fields. The creative arts also flourish, with regular drama productions and a vibrant music department that offers individual tuition in a variety of instruments.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm, with an extensive programme of after school clubs extending the day until 5:00pm or 5:30pm for many students. Breakfast club is available at 7:45am, providing flexibility for working parents.

Located in Eartham, near Chichester, the school is accessible via the A27 and A285. Given the rural location, the school operates several minibus routes covering the surrounding towns and villages, including Chichester, Arundel, and Petworth.

Fees & Financial Aid

For the 2025/2026 academic year, senior day fees are £7,150 per term. In the primary phase, fees are £4,250 per term for Reception and up to £6,296 per term for Year 6. These fees include snacks and lunches for all pupils.

Great Ballard is committed to widening access where possible. Means-tested bursaries are available for families who may require financial assistance to secure a place. Additionally, the school offers scholarships for students demonstrating exceptional talent in academics, sport, music, or the arts. These awards typically provide a 10% to 20% fee reduction. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist and compare fee structures across the region.

• Small Senior Cohorts: While the small class sizes offer exceptional individual attention, the senior year groups are smaller than those in larger secondary schools. This provides a very different social experience which suits some students perfectly but may feel limited to others who crave a larger peer group.
• Rural Location: The beauty of the Eartham estate comes with the practical reality of a rural location. Most families will rely on the school minibus service or private car travel, as public transport links directly to the village are limited.
• Non-Selective Ethos: The school's results reflect a broad ability range. Families seeking a highly competitive environment may find Great Ballard's holistic and supportive pace too relaxed, whereas it is a sanctuary for those who find high pressure environments counter productive.

Great Ballard School is a gem for parents who prioritise their child's happiness and character development as much as their academic grades. It is an institution that has successfully moved with the times, offering a modern, all through education while retaining the best elements of a traditional, rural school. It is best suited to families who want their children to grow up in a nurturing, grounded environment where they are known as individuals. The school is particularly effective for students who may be overwhelmed by larger institutions and who will benefit from the bespoke, family centred approach at Eartham House.