anyone got children @ Ballard School or Durlston Crt, New Milton or Hordle Walhampton, Lymington

[wellywanger]

We are currently looking for dd to start nursery at one of these in the next year and would like her to carry on until 13 at the same school. Does anybody have any experience of these or other prep/ pre-prep schools in the area?
thanks

I have actually looked round Ballard, Durlston and Moyles Court in ringwood..
Durlston has a lovely atmosphere and lovely grounds however we were put off straight away when the head teacher asked my husband's occupation and when we told him he said how are you going to manage the school fees

Ballard my son went for a taster day and he hated it , I pesonally feel they focus alot on prep and senior but pre prep and nursery are really sidelined ..

My favourite was Moyles Court really family feel, small but not too small

In the end we relocated and my son is at a state school . Not sure where you live but they have some lovely state schools near you in that area which I feel can be as good or better minus the 7k a yr price tag ( thats just at pre prep )

Forgot to say about Hordle I have heard it is very good but as my husband is anti religion it was a no go as it is very religious

thanks pompadour, that's not the first time I've heard that about durlston I think it's a bit WAG for my taste tbh. Moyles court is a bit far out for us, I think we may go with Hordle which looks fab and we're ok with the religion bit it's just good to hear from real people rather than relying entirely on short visits and a glossy prospectus!

We are looking at Ballard as a Senior school option for our son (aged 11 now). Has anyone got any feedback on it at this stage please? He is sporty, bright and artistic (lucky chap!).

Hello Hettiehen, I wondered if your son has started at Ballard and if so how is it? My son is 10 years old and we are considering Ballard for him in Year 7. He is sporty and bright. Or did he go somewhere else and how is it for him?
Thank you very much!

A lot has changed in 10 years then. Much more welcoming to all. Lots of events and activities going on too.