Great Ballard School

Arabella achieved an outstanding Grade 8 in Textiles and Grade 7 in Art and Design, alongside strong passes across her academic subjects.
Arabella’s achievements are a great example of what can be accomplished when talent, determination and the right support come together.
Throughout her time at Great Ballard, Arabella has worked incredibly hard to overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia.
Her achievements demonstrate that every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
At Great Ballard, we are passionate about understanding how each child learns best and providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. Arabella’s journey is a wonderful example of that approach in action.
We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to seeing where her talents and ambitions take her next.
Congratulations, Arabella.

Harris leaves Great Ballard having made a lasting contribution to school life, both inside and outside the classroom.

As Head Boy, Harris has been a fantastic ambassador for the school. As a role model he has shown a willingness to give everything a go and has always been approachable and kind.
Harris achieved an impressive set of GCSE results, including seven GCSEs at Grade 7 or above. Particularly strong performances in Maths, Biology, Physics and Geography, reflect both his academic strengths and consistent work ethic.
What makes Harris’s achievements particularly special is the balance he has struck between academic success and active involvement in school life. His growth in confidence, especially as a public speaker and leader, reflects the importance we place on developing young people who are as confident beyond the classroom as they are within it.
Harris has achieved so much here and we wish him every success as he takes his next steps.
Congratulations, Harris.

When Poppy joined Great Ballard, she had been struggling with school for almost 15 months and faced significant challenges returning to the classroom environment.
Today, she leaves with an exciting place secured at a prestigious art college and results that reflect an extraordinary journey of perseverance, courage and growth.
Among her achievements, Poppy earned an outstanding Grade 7 in English Language, significantly exceeding her predicted grade in a subject she had once feared she might not pass. Her success is a testament to the determination she has shown throughout her time at Great Ballard and the trust she gradually rebuilt in her own abilities.
While examination results tell part of the story, Poppy’s real achievement is much greater. Returning to education after such a long period away required rebuilding her self-belief and remarkable determination and we could not be more proud that she secured her own future by making her own application to art college once she had set her sights on that goal.
At Great Ballard she found a community where she belonged. She rediscovered her confidence, developed her creative talents and found a pathway that excites and inspires her. Securing her place at art college is a fitting next step for a young person whose creativity and individuality have flourished here
We are immensely proud of everything Poppy has achieved and cannot wait to see where her talents take her next.
Congratulations, Poppy.

When Harriet joined Great Ballard, she was still finding her feet and working out where she fitted in. She leaves us with nine GCSEs, including six grades 7-9, outstanding Grade 9s in both English Language and English Literature, and a reputation as one of the most respected student leaders in the school.
Alongside her academic success, Harriet has made an enormous contribution to school life as Head Girl, but what makes her story particularly special is the journey behind the grades. From a pupil who initially found aspects of school life challenging, she has grown into a young person who embraced opportunities, exceeded expectations and demonstrated what can be achieved if you are encouraged to believe in your own ambitions.
Harriet’s success is a wonderful example of the well-rounded young people we strive to nurture at Great Ballard, and we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.
Congratulations, we cannot wait to see what comes next.

Alice Hardwick, Senior Deputy, celebrates an amazing GCSE year:

“GCSE Results Day is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students, and this year’s cohort has much to be proud of.

We are particularly delighted that more than a third of pupils exceeded their predicted outcomes, with several surpassing expectations by the equivalent of one or more GCSE grades, reflecting the hard work, determination and progress made by so many of our young people throughout their GCSE journey.

Alongside this, outstanding outcomes were achieved across a broad range of disciplines, with every candidate securing grades 5-9 in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Sport Science and Textiles.

English Language results were also especially pleasing, with every pupil securing a pass and the majority exceeding expectations.

What stands out most to me, however, are the individual stories behind the grades.

This year, we have seen pupils surpass expectations, overcome personal challenges and develop the confidence and skills needed to take their next steps successfully.

At Great Ballard, we believe that success is about more than a set of examination results. It is about helping every young person leave us ready for the opportunities ahead.

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and all they have achieved, and we look forward to seeing where their ambitions take them next.”

Matt King, Head, shares his thoughts on another outstanding set of GCSE results:

“Great results are the keys to exciting futures and we have so much to celebrate today.

In just five years we have watched this unique group of students more than treble in size. Not all have found their pathway through education straightforward. Some will measure their success this summer in reinvention and resilience, in the way they have hauled themselves over the line, a feat they could not have dreamed of before they joined us. For others their success will be more conventional, measured in eights and nines or in the ease with which they have progressed to their chosen sixth forms and colleges.

They leave us behind, sad to see them go but proud of what they have achieved and confident that they are ready for a world that never stops changing and will continue to surprise.

At Great Ballard we believe success is measured in so many more ways than just examination outcomes. Alongside their GCSE successes, they have run businesses, attended interviews, excelled in D of E and gathered formally recognised qualifications in subjects ranging from financial skills to computing. They can grow, they can cook, they know when to serve and they know how to lead. They understand what a healthy, happy life looks like and they are ready to live one.

We couldn’t not be happier for them and we wish them all the very best for what comes next.

Every student who spends time at Great Ballard has an impact. We hope they leave us filled with confidence and purpose but we are also proud of the legacy they leave. Perhaps they have steered a school council, inspired others through their work ethic or their performances or simply lifted those around them through small acts of kindness. As we await GCSE results this week, we also celebrate how the Class of 2026 have contributed in so many ways to our community and how they will be remembered.

Looking for a part time term-time role? We have the perfect opportunity! Join our team as one of our minibus drivers. We’re looking for an extra driver for a morning and evening route between Worthing and Eartham. You can find full details on the Community page of our website or via this link: https://www.greatballard.co.uk/job-title/minibus-driver
Want to know more? Give us a call to discuss the role on 01243 814236