HEAD of Technology Andy Maskell said: “The school’s involved in many events including the Big Bang Science and Technology Awards, Young Engineer for Britain and the Science of Computer Games project.”

PARENT Alison Stem- bridge has children in Year 2 and Year 4. She said: “They have been here since they were 18-months-old. It is a very family-friendly place. The opportunities they get here are fantastic”

ALISON Nurse has three children, one now at Brockenhurst College and others in year 9 and Year 6. She said: “I fell in love with Ballard and its ethos. They get fantastic results for a non-selective school.”

YEAR 11 student James Hughes is in his fourth year at Ballard. He said: “The environment is extremely friendly and everyone knows everyone else’s names. The personal approach helps a lot.”

ANNA Jones, a Year 11 student, said: “It is really nice to have one to one support with the teacher in class. All the teachers are prepared to give up their break times to help you and the school is like a family.”

BRYN Nicholls, in Year 7, said: “I have been here since kindergarten. There are never-ending opportunities to be in plays and represent the school in sports teams. There are lots of options for different lessons.”

YEAR 7 student Abigail Hand said: “I joined in September and I’m enjoying it very much. It is very different to my old school. Everyone is welcoming and there are lots of chances to get involved in art an PE.”

MATHS and sport teacher Tamsyn Leach said: “It is an amazing place to work. It feels like you are part of a family and it is lovely to see the 16-year-olds interacting so well with the tiny little ones – they are lovely to each other.”