Dear Parents, Carers, and Visitors,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Portland School, a specialist learning community dedicated to supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Our school caters to students across Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4, and we are committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment where every individual is valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

Portland School is currently on an exciting journey of growth and development, with a continued focus on improving our provision and enhancing the experiences of our students. Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that each student has the tools, confidence, and resilience needed to achieve their full potential.

We operate across two distinct sites, each tailored to meet the specific needs of our students. At Blythe Bridge, we support those whose needs are externalised, offering a structured environment that encourages personal growth and positive behavioural development. At Trent Vale, we work closely with students whose needs are internalised, creating a calm and compassionate setting that fosters emotional wellbeing and builds confidence from within.

At the heart of our school ethos is the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter the challenges they face. We take a holistic approach, working with families, external agencies, and our dedicated staff to create personalised learning journeys that address not only academic progress but also social, emotional, and mental health development.

We are proud of the inclusive and supportive culture we have built at Portland School, and as we continue to grow and evolve, our mission to empower and nurture remains central to all we do. Our dedicated and experienced staff are committed to ensuring that each student receives the support they need to overcome barriers to learning, develop resilience, and build the skills necessary for a successful future.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the exceptional work we do at both Blythe Bridge and Trent Vale. If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always here to support you and your child.

Warmest regards,

Alexis Bull

Executive Headteacher

Our Offer to our People

We are part of Shaw Education Trust.

We are a growing multi-academy trust which places high achievement at the heart of all we do. We lead and manage academies in all phases, all sectors and in all communities.

To find out more about Shaw Education Trust, please click here

Our Specialist settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of Specialist Educational Needs, including profound medical needs, sensory needs and emotional and mental health needs.

All the pupils within our Specialist settings have an individualised education and are educated in small classes and groups with enhanced support to ensure that all of their needs are met. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team that supports a child or young person with Specialist Educational Needs to reach their goals.

Teaching, support and operations rolls all provide a wonderful opportunity to work within an establishment that has a ‘family’ feel that puts the children, young people and their families at the heart of what they do. You truly will make a difference to the life of a young person and their family.