Admissions to Berrylands School
Finding the right educational environment is an important decision. Our admissions process ensures that placements are carefully considered and appropriate to each young person's needs.
Who is Berrylands for?
Berrylands School is a specialist independent school for young people aged 7–16 whose primary identified need is social, emotional and mental health (SEMH).
We support young people who have experienced significant difficulties accessing or engaging with conventional education and who may benefit from our small, relationship-led and outdoor-focused environment.
Admissions criteria
To be considered for a placement at Berrylands School, a young person must:
- Be aged 7–16.
- Have SEMH as their primary identified need.
- Already be known to Forest Schooling UK's Alternative Provision.
- Have attended our Alternative Provision for a minimum of 19 weeks.
- Be referred through the appropriate local authority process.
- Have needs that the school can appropriately and safely meet.
Priority is given to looked-after and previously looked-after young people known to our provision, in accordance with our admissions arrangements.
Information for parents and carers
Berrylands School does not accept direct applications from parents or carers.
All school placements are arranged through the relevant local authority. If you believe Berrylands may be suitable for your child, please speak with your child's current school or local authority SEND caseworker. School visits are arranged through our established professional referral process.
How placements are arranged
01
ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
The young person attends Forest Schooling UK's Alternative Provision for at least 19 weeks.
02
REFERRAL AND CONSULTATION
The local authority considers the young person's needs and consults with Berrylands School about a potential placement.
03
PLACEMENT DECISION
The school and local authority consider suitability and whether the young person's needs can be safely and appropriately met.