Welcome to Portland School
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
Welcome to Trent Vale
As Head of School, I am delighted to welcome you to the Trent Vale site of Portland School, a place where every child is valued, understood, and supported. At Trent Vale, we specialize in providing a nurturing and structured environment for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We believe that with the right support, every pupil can thrive both academically and personally. Our dedicated staff are committed to building strong, trusting relationships, fostering emotional well-being, and creating a safe space where pupils feel heard and empowered. Together, we will help our students develop confidence, resilience, and a love for learning, ensuring they are prepared for a bright and positive future.
George Anderson
Head of School | Trent Vale
Learn moreWelcome to Blythe Bridge
I am privileged to welcome you to the Blythe Bridge site of Portland school. We are a specialist SEMH provision catering to Key Stage 2, 3 & 4 students. As Head of School I feel the relationship between parents, staff and students is of vital importance to the successes and positive experiences we share. As we begin our journey, we will strive for nothing short of excellence in all that we do. We will never be complacent about our achievements and are always looking for ways to improve our practice further. We aim to be pupil and family centred and will invest in our staff to ensure that we offer the very best education provision for all of our students. We see our students’ time at Portland School as just the first part of their journey and we want them to grow and leave us as competent, independent, lifelong learners. It is also important for our pupils to remember their time with us with great fondness, with memories of life-enriching experiences and enduring relationships.
Jonathan Gillie
Head of School | Blythe Bridge
Learn moreLatest News
Shaw Education Trust
Shaw Education Trust is a growing multi academy trust sponsored by Shaw Trust. We lead and manage academies in all phases, all sectors and in all communities.
