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

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Term Dates

Spring Term 2023: Tuesday 3rd January - Friday 31st March 2023

  • Half Term Break: 13th February - 17th February 2023
  • Easter Holiday: 3rd April - 14th April 2023
  • Whole School Back: Monday 17th April 2023

Summer Term 2023: Monday 17th April - 28th July 2023

  • Half Term Break: 29th May - 9th June 2023
  • Whole School Back: Monday 12th June 2023

Autumn Term 2023: Friday 1st September - Friday 15th December

  • INSET DAY: 1st September 2023
  • Whole School Back: Monday 4th September 2023
  • Half Term: 23rd October - 3rd November 2023
  • Christmas Holiday: 18th December 2023 - 1st January 2024
  • Whole School Back: Tuesday 2nd January 2024

Bank Holidays 2023

  • Thursday 2nd June 2023: Spring Bank Holiday
  • Monday 29th August 2023: Summer Bank Holiday
  • Monday 25th December 2023: Christmas Day
  • Tuesday 26th December 2023: Boxing Day

Spring Term 2024: Tuesday 2nd January - Friday 28th March 2024

  • Half Term Break: 12th February - 16th February 2024
  • Easter Holiday: 29th March - 12th April 2024
  • Whole School Back: Monday 15th April 2024

Summer Term 2024: Monday 15th April - 31st July 2024

  • Half Term Break: 27th May - 7th June 2024
  • Whole School Back: Monday 10th June 2024
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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.

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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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