Welcome to Berrylands School
Berrylands School is set in a calm, carefully managed urban woodland, fully off-grid and powered by solar energy. No mains electricity, no concrete clutter, no background noise. Just space to think, breathe and learn. Most learning happens outdoors. It’s active, practical and rooted in real experiences, supporting focus, movement and regulation, especially for children who don’t thrive behind desks.
​
We also have powered shepherds huts, warmed by our off-grid systems, offering dry, comfortable spaces for work, small groups and reflection when indoors makes sense. The site includes clean, well-maintained composting toilets, aligned with our low-impact approach and quickly taken in stride.
​
This isn’t a theme or a gimmick. It’s an intentional, outdoors-first environment designed to help learning actually stick.
Who are we?
We are a full time specialist SEMH school for young people aged 7 -16 who need a genuine alternative to mainstream education. Our work is relationship-based, trauma-informed and therapeutically grounded.
We are part of Forest Schooling UK, with most pupils joining our established and successful Alternative Provision before transitioning into our school.
Our Young People
Our young people come to us following negative or disrupted educational experiences. Many have also been affected by trauma, which has contributed to their disengagement from traditional teaching approaches and a reluctance to participate in learning environments where they fear failure or judgement. As a result, these young people may present with low self-esteem, emotional vulnerability and a perceived sense of having "fallen behind" academically.
We recognise that, before meaningful learning can take place, each individual must first feel emotionally safe, supported and secure within themselves. Our approach prioritises relationship-building, emotional regulation and personalised pathways to help young people re-engage with education in a way that respects their journey and restores their confidence.
Ready, Respectful & Responsible
At our setting, everything we do is rooted in our Core Values of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. Being Ready means turning up prepared to learn, engage, and give things a proper go. Being Respectful is about valuing ourselves, each other, and the environment around us because learning doesn’t thrive in chaos or ego. Being Responsible means owning our choices, actions, and impact, even when no one’s watching. These values aren’t just words on the wall; they’re the standard we live by, every day.
​