At Great Ballard we aim to create a family environment in everything we do. We welcome parents and grandparents and hope they will feel part of the school. Whether it’s for formal parent evenings, joining a weekend Groundforce volunteering morning, spectating at matches and school plays or simply enjoying morning coffee on the terrace or in the library at one of our regular family events, we understand that the opportunity to feel part of the community and form friendships is important for the whole family.
We are delighted to include parents in the event planning of the school and invite parents to join ‘Friends of Great Ballard’ (FoGB for short). The Friends volunteer as class reps to help welcome new families, keep their class updated with information and organise social events for children and parents.
FoGB are responsible for putting on many of our marvellous annual events including the Christmas Fair and the Summer Fete. These events help to reinforce a sense of community that we consider paramount to our school and all money raised goes towards benefitting the school, such as funding new equipment and resources, as well as supporting local charities. Anyone is welcome to get involved and it is a fantastic way to get to know other parents. It doesn’t matter how much or how little time you have to offer, FoGB would be delighted to hear from you.
It’s not just our pupils who grow at Great Ballard. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic, forward thinking and purposeful people who are interested in becoming part of our journey and our ever strengthening team. From our classrooms to our kitchens and from our domestic staff to our office team you will find people who understand the school’s vision and are excited about delivering the very best outcomes for our children. If you are keen to be part of something great then take a look at our vacancies below or get in touch with Jacqui Whall at j.whall@greatballard.co.uk.
The school seeks an inspiring, energetic and approachable part time Art & Design Teacher ready to provide exceptional teaching across the school. Pupil-centered and dedicated to their craft, they will be someone keen to make a difference and to go above and beyond for the school and its pupils. We are naturally interested to see your experience but we are even keener to hear where you are heading and how we can support you to get there. We are always keen to discover what inspires pupils and to allow their needs to shape our school and we feel very much the same about exceptional staff.
Interested candidates are invited to contact Jacqui Whall to arrange a confidential discussion about the role: j.whall@greatballard.co.uk or call on 01243 814236.
Candidates should complete the application form electronically and email it to Jacqui Whall together with a brief covering letter addressed to the Head, Mr Matt King, which explains your reasons for applying.
Please email your completed application form and letter (both as PDF files please) to Jacqui Whall, at j.whall@greatballard.co.uk.
Working pattern: 0.6FTE, permanent.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 24th April 2026
Interviews are provisionally booked for Thursday 30th April 2026.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or identify a suitable candidate. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
“A school with a heart”
Great Ballard is a tight-knit and happy community but we are always looking outwards and creating links with the world beyond our gates. We regularly open our doors to the public and the school is a venue for weddings, activity camps and sports clubs. We establish links with local businesses and support our village and our neighbours. But above all we teach our pupils the value of service, charity and giving. It matters to us that children set their own goals and plan their own fundraising projects. They learn life skills along the way, the power of purpose and the value of prioritising activism over apathy.
We love to hear from former pupils about what they are up to and they are always welcome to come and see how the school has changed at one of our organised events. Do get in touch to be put on our Alumni mailing list.