Learning at Berrylands
Built from experience Rooted in understanding
Berrylands School grew from a belief shaped by more than 25 years in education
Stephen Simpson-Shave
Founder and Headteacher
A different understanding of education
“For more than 25 years, I have worked with children and young people across a wide range of educational settings. Throughout that time, I have always been drawn to those who find school the most difficult - the children who challenge expectations, struggle with relationships or simply do not fit comfortably into conventional education.
But my understanding of these young people was shaped just as profoundly by my experiences outside the classroom.
As an adoptive parent of two sons, I have experienced first-hand the challenges that can come with raising children with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
I understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the school table. To attend difficult meetings, to hear about behaviours that others struggle to understand, and to worry about whether the adults responsible for your child truly see the young person behind the difficulties.
I also know how much difference the right adult, the right relationship and the right environment can make.
Those experiences fundamentally influenced my professional practice. They reinforced my belief that behaviour must be understood in context, that relationships are central to learning and that young people need both compassion and clear boundaries.
I came to believe increasingly that, for some children, we needed to stop asking how to make them fit into an existing educational system and start asking what a different kind of education might look like.”
An idea that took root
2018
Forest Schooling UK begins as a small outdoor learning initiative.
2022
Our Alternative Provision is formalised as a Community Interest Company, deepening our commitment.
2026
OFSTED approves Berrylands School as a full time specialist school for SEMH needs.
Forest Schooling UK began as a practical response to the needs of young people. We saw those who had struggled in conventional settings begin to engage, connect and experience success. The woodland environment gave us opportunities to work differently, while maintaining the structure and educational purpose that young people need.
From an alternative approach to a school of our own
As our Alternative Provision developed, it became increasingly clear that some young people needed more than a part-time opportunity to reconnect with education. They needed a school built around the same principles: small groups, trusted relationships, personalised learning, practical experiences and an understanding of social, emotional and mental health needs.
Berrylands School was created to provide that opportunity. Our woodland setting is deliberately unconventional, but our ambitions are not. We want young people to achieve academically, develop emotionally and prepare for meaningful futures.
“My experience as both an educator and a parent has taught me that behind every challenging behaviour is a young person who deserves to be understood. That understanding must be matched by high expectations, clear boundaries and a genuine belief in their future.”
Stephen Simpson-Shave
Different, not less.
From the beginning, our belief has been simple: young people who struggle in education deserve something different, not something less.
They deserve adults who understand them without excusing harmful behaviour. They deserve boundaries that provide safety rather than shame. They deserve opportunities to succeed, to repair relationships, to develop confidence and to discover what they are capable of. Most importantly, they deserve somewhere they feel they belong.
Today, Berrylands School continues the journey that began with Forest Schooling UK: creating meaningful educational opportunities for young people who need a different way forward.
Our story is still being written, by the young people, families and staff who make our school what it is.
People make the difference.
The strength of Berrylands School lies in the relationships between our young people and the adults who support them. Our team brings together experience in education, special educational needs, safeguarding, psychology, outdoor learning and pastoral support. We work collaboratively, sharing expertise and maintaining high expectations while recognising the individual needs of every young person.