History of Portfield...

Having operated in less than ideal premises since 1968,in 2001, the Society launched the Domino Appeal to raise funds for a £3 million project to build a new school for 64 children at Parley, near Christchurch. Construction began and phase one of the new Portfield School was opened by HRH the Princess Royal in November 2002. The school provides first class educational and boarding facilities and, being purpose built, meets the particular needs of students with Autism.

Three phases of construction saw the new Portfield School develop into the modern, fully equipped facility it is today.

2001-2002: Building and opening of the main educational facility and one boarding house allowed Portfield to function as a modern tailored place of education for those with Autism, while the continuing development of the site was carried out.

2003: Completion of a second boarding house at the site brought the pupil boarding capacity at Portfield up to 28.

2005:  Fundraising efforts meant that two further boarding houses could be built, and the facility today offers 34 boarding places, 64 education places for those aged 2-16 and 16 education places for those aged 16-19.

2007: Portfield was further modernised with the launch of its Wooden Spoon Therapy Pool in 2007 by Olympic swimmer Karen Legg and Rugby Union coach Junior Paramore. Students at Portfield now enjoy learning vital water skills, as well as the therapeutic and leisure benefits the pool brings.

Download a prospectus or contact us to arrange a visit and learn more about Portfield School.