Autism Unlimited’s Portfield School is expanding its specialist autism provision to meet a growing and urgent need, education in the right setting for autistic young people who have higher support needs than their peers.
Building on Portfield School’s established expertise, Autism Unlimited has secured land next door to the existing Portfield School building, creating an opportunity to develop a highly therapeutic, outdoor-led learning environment designed specifically for autistic young people with higher support needs.
An extension of the existing Portfield School education offering, the new space located next door to the existing Portfield School, has been carefully planned to meet the needs of students who require significantly enhanced support and therapeutic input. Set within a 39-acre site, it will offer a calm, structured and sensory-aware environment where learning is closely integrated with therapy.
The school will provide:
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small learning groups supported by highly trained staff
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integrated support from psychology, behaviour, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy
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a curriculum focused on communication, regulation, independence and life skills
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extensive outdoor learning opportunities, including forest school and outdoor learning.
Portfield Plus responds directly to system pressure, with families struggling to find the right environments for young people with high support needs and young people at risk of long-term disengagement from education. By intervening early and appropriately, Portfield Plus aims to reduce crisis placements, improve long-term outcomes, and prepare students for adulthood, including supported employment, further education, and independent or supported living.
Alongside the education development that will take place on the site, Autism Unlimited are excited to be exploring local commercial partnerships to make the most of the large land area for our community in Christchurch.
Previously knows as Stocks Farm, Autism Unlimited’s vision is to create a learning environment where young people can learn at their pace, discover new strengths and build confidence. The charity have applied for planning permission to refurbish some existing structures on the land and, if successful, anticipate this work will take place over the spring and summer, with Portfield Plus welcoming students in September.
Crucially, Portfield Plus is not just a refurbishment project. It is a long-term investment in outcomes, sustainability, and impact, embedding education, therapy, community engagement, and future income opportunities from day one.