Joy Ballard, an award-winning former headteacher, has been banned from the teaching profession after a tribunal found she altered school term dates to accommodate a cruise holiday. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel determined that Ballard, 59, changed the term dates at Ryde Academy on the Isle of Wight so that the autumn term ended on December 18, 2023, and the spring term began on January 3, 2024.
Misuse of school funds
The tribunal also heard that Ballard purchased a Peugeot car with school funds, which she used for personal trips, along with a karaoke machine, two televisions, and camping equipment. She accepted that she used the school car for personal reasons but maintained that her actions were in the best interests of pupils.
Ballard, who previously featured in the Channel 4 documentary Educating Cardiff in 2015 and won a Pearson Teaching Award that same year, provided around 50 character statements describing her as "an exceptional leader" and "the most caring and thoughtful" headteacher.
Impact on attendance
A witness told the panel that the change in term dates had a "significant impact" on attendance at the school. The panel found that Ballard "knowingly and dishonestly changed the dates of the term time for personal benefit." It noted that as an experienced headteacher, she would have understood the implications and that a personal reason was not sufficient justification.
Ballard did not attend school for the full day on January 3, 2024, for personal or holiday reasons. She admitted she went on a cruise that docked on that date.
Unacceptable professional conduct
The panel found Ballard guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, stating her actions may bring the profession into disrepute. In her evidence, Ballard said, "I am not a rule follower, I like going against the grain to benefit the kids." Concerns were raised about her conduct in March 2024, and she retired from the school in August 2024.
Ballard has been banned from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England. She may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside in June 2028.
