Welcome to Portfield School

Celebrating individuality

Ofsted Report

Headteacher’s Welcome

Welcome to Portfield School

We provide specialist autism education for students aged 4-19.

All our students have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and a diagnosis of autism.

At Portfield School, students learn to build the skills, understanding and information they need to enable them to develop independence and flourish, not just in childhood but into adulthood and for the rest of their lives. Our students look forward to being well-prepared for college, work placements, apprenticeships and independent / supported living.

Diversity is celebrated in our school community, and every student is valued as an individual with unique strengths and interests. Our skilled team of teachers, therapists, teaching assistants and creative arts specialists demonstrate positive working methods and a flexible, solution-focused approach to provide a truly holistic education for every student.

We provide a high-quality, age and developmentally-appropriate curriculum that is therapeutically led and student-centred. Communication is at the heart of our curriculum. We follow an inclusive communication approach which facilitates the development and use of communication in all its forms, providing opportunities for students to participate in every area of school life. Our students are supported to develop their confidence in their ability to make choices and decisions to shape their own learning.

Students within the school are grouped according to social and learning needs, and therefore, classes comprise mixed-aged groups. This supports students to learn to navigate the social world and to make and maintain friendships.

Vibrant and unique facilities, including a state-of-the-art Sixth Form building, swimming pool and Forest School, as well as a range of community partnerships and creative specialists in residence, provide a rich and creative school life for every child and young person.

We are very proud of our school community and welcome visits to the site. If you have any queries or wish to arrange a visit to the school, please get in touch with the school office.

Anna Hewitt, Headteacher

Portfield School Reception shot

A Day in the Life of an ISL

Key information

Term Dates

Autumn Term 2024: Monday 2nd September 2024 - Friday 20th December 2024

  • INSET Day: 2nd and 3rd September 2024
  • Whole School Back: Wednesday 4th September 2024
  • Half Term Break: 21st October 2024 - 1st November 2024
  • Christmas Holiday: 23rd December 2024 - 3rd January 2024
  • Whole School Back: Monday 6th January 2025

Spring Term 2025: Monday 6th January 2025 - Monday 7th April 2025

  • Half Term Break: 17th February - 21st February 2025
  • Easter Holiday: 7th April - 21st April 2025
  • Whole School Back: Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Summer Term 2025: Tuesday 22nd April 2025 - 31st July 2025

  • Half Term Break: 26th May - 6th June 2025
  • Whole School Back: Monday 9th June 2025

Autumn Term 2025: Monday 1st September 2025 - Friday 19th December 2025

  • INSET Days: Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September 2025
  • Whole School Back: Wednesday 3rd September 2025
  • INSET Days: Thursday 31st October 2025 and Friday 1st November 2025
  • Autumn Half Term: Monday 27th October 2025 - Friday 7th November 2025
  • Christmas Holiday: 22nd December 2025 - Friday 2nd January 2026

Spring Term 2026: Monday 5th January 2026 - Friday 27th March 2026

  • INSET Day – 13th February 2026
  • Spring Half Term: Monday 16th February 2026 - Friday 20th February 2026
  • Easter Holiday: Monday 30th March 2026 - Friday 10th April 2026
  • Good Friday: Friday 3rd April 2026
  • Easter Monday: Monday 6th April 2026

Summer Term 2026: Monday 13th April 2026 - Friday 31st July 2026

  • Whole School Back: Monday 13th April 2026
  • May Day Bank Holiday: Monday 4th May 2026
  • Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25th May 2026
  • Summer Half Term: Monday 25th May 2026 - Friday 5th June 2026
  • INSET Days: 5th June and 6th June 2026, and 31st July 2026
Contact us

Contact Name: Anna Hewitt

Address: Portfield School, Parley Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6BP.

You can call us on: 01202 573808 from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

Compulsory School Hours: 09:00 - 15:00 = (9-3, 5 days a week = 30 hours)

You can also arrange a visit with us by clicking on the contact us section in the dropdown menu.

Admissions process

To be eligible for a place at Portfield School children require a diagnosis of autism and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) produced by a local authority. All places at Portfield School are commissioned by the local authority where the child is resident.

Any approach to apply for a place should be discussed with your local authority case worker.

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