Portfield School
URN: 113942 • Christchurch BH23 6BP
Overview
- Name
- Portfield School
- URN
- 113942
- Type
- Non-maintained special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- Yes
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 52.9 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Anna Hewitt (since 2025) , Head Teacher
- Telephone
- 01202573808
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Parley Lane, Christchurch BH23 6BP
Summary
Portfield School is a non-maintained special school located in Christchurch, Bournemouth, serving students aged 4 to 19 with a diagnosis of autism. The school focuses on providing a tailored education for students who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), fostering their independence and preparing them for adulthood through a holistic and student-centred approach.
The curriculum at Portfield School is developmentally appropriate and therapeutically led, emphasising communication and social skills. Students are grouped by social and learning needs, allowing for mixed-age classes that promote social interaction and friendship development. The school boasts vibrant facilities, including a state-of-the-art Sixth Form building and a Forest School, which enrich the educational experience.
Portfield School is committed to celebrating individuality and diversity within its community. The dedicated staff, including teachers and therapists, work collaboratively to support each student's unique strengths and interests, ensuring a nurturing environment where all students can thrive. Parents are encouraged to engage with the school and can arrange visits to learn more about the services offered.
The curriculum at Portfield School is developmentally appropriate and therapeutically led, emphasising communication and social skills. Students are grouped by social and learning needs, allowing for mixed-age classes that promote social interaction and friendship development. The school boasts vibrant facilities, including a state-of-the-art Sixth Form building and a Forest School, which enrich the educational experience.
Portfield School is committed to celebrating individuality and diversity within its community. The dedicated staff, including teachers and therapists, work collaboratively to support each student's unique strengths and interests, ensuring a nurturing environment where all students can thrive. Parents are encouraged to engage with the school and can arrange visits to learn more about the services offered.
Useful links
- Portfield School Governors (governance)
- Upcoming Events (calendar)
- Ofsted report (download)
- Back to main site (other)
- Sign up (other)
- Make a donation (other)
- Home (other)
- About us (other)
- Admissions process (other)
- Policies (other)
Nearby alternatives
- The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy (60.2)
- Christchurch Learning Centre (53.0)
- Homefield School (45.2)
- The Cricket School (45.2)
- The Cricket School (45.2)
Key details
- LA
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Age range
- 4 - 19
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 125
- Pupils
- 137
- Boys
- 111
- Girls
- 26
- FSM %
- 33.30
- Open date
- 1971-05-11
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2019-03-21
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Dorset
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 137 | 111 | 26 | 125 | 33.30 |
| 2024-09-11 | 119 | 98 | 21 | 125 | 35.80 |
| 2023-09-11 | 107 | 90 | 17 | 125 | 37.90 |
| 2022-09-11 | 107 | 90 | 17 | 100 | 37.90 |
| 2021-09-11 | 90 | 76 | 14 | 100 | 34.20 |
| 2020-09-11 | 83 | 70 | 13 | 100 | 25.30 |
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