When I joined Great Ballard in September 2024 after a career to date spent firmly rooted in state schools, I knew I was stepping into something different—but I didn’t realise quite how refreshing it would feel. For years, I worked within the constraints of national frameworks, performance tables and endless accountability measures. My focus was always on raising standards and creating opportunities, but there was always a sense of being boxed in. Here, that box doesn’t exist. Instead, there’s space—space to think, to innovate, and to put children at the heart of everything.

Before joining Great Ballard, I held senior leadership roles in large state schools, most recently as Deputy Headteacher responsible for Curriculum and Academics. I’ve led whole-school teaching and learning strategies, driven rapid improvements in outcomes, and overseen curriculum redesign to raise aspiration and achievement. My first step into leadership was as Head of English, where I led a department through a period of rapid improvement. Under my leadership, English results improved dramatically, Progress 8 moved from negative to positive, and Ofsted praised the culture of high expectations and challenge. That experience taught me the importance of academic rigour alongside creativity—something I’m passionate about continuing here.

I first looked at independent education with curiosity, wondering what it might be like to teach without the constant pressure of league tables. Now, I’m living that reality, and it’s every bit as energising as I hoped. At Great Ballard, we still have rigour and ambition, and academic success is absolutely a priority. Our results speak for themselves: pupils consistently achieve well above national averages, and we set high expectations for every learner. The difference is that we achieve this without narrowing the curriculum or sacrificing creativity. Teachers have the freedom to go beyond the textbook, to spark curiosity, and to create learning that feels alive. That freedom doesn’t just benefit staff—it transforms the experience for pupils. They’re not just preparing for exams; they’re preparing for life.

What strikes me most is how holistic the education here really is. Yes, we care about academic success, and we track progress carefully, but we also care deeply about character, creativity and wellbeing. Our unique GB Diploma curriculum runs through everything we do and ensures our focus on Head, Hand, Heart and Health are reflected across all areas of school life, both in the classroom and beyond it. It means our students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop resilience. They cook, they code, they speak in public, they run businesses, they explore the outdoors. They’re building skills that matter in the real world, and they’re doing it in an environment where they feel known and valued.

This ethos isn’t just words on a page; it’s lived every day. Whether it’s a forensic science workshop on a Saturday, a trip to Berlin that pushes independence and cultural awareness, or the chance to develop and manage their own businesses, the opportunities here are extraordinary. And the best part? Students embrace them with enthusiasm because they know learning isn’t confined to a classroom or a syllabus.

For anyone who’s ever wondered what the independent sector is really like, I can tell you this: it’s not about privilege or exclusivity—it’s about possibility. It’s about giving teachers the freedom to teach and giving children the freedom to flourish. After years in state education, I can honestly say this approach works. It’s exciting, it’s purposeful, and it’s deeply rewarding.

Great Ballard is a school that believes every child can be exceptional, and that belief shapes everything we do. And personally, I’m proud to be part of a team that’s redefining what education can look like—rigorous, yes, but also creative, compassionate and forward-thinking. If you’re curious about what makes us different, come and see for yourself. You’ll find a community that’s warm, ambitious and ready to help every child go beyond.

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