Welcome to Harbour School Dorset

- Holistic - - Supportive - - Determined -

Holistic

We nurture our students, families, and staff through integrated, meaningful experiences that support individual journeys and lifelong growth.

Supportive

We build a caring and positive environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered, together with their families and our wider community.

Determined

We face challenges together with courage, commitment, and belief, so everyone can thrive, belong, and make a difference.

Headteacher’s Welcome

Welcome to Harbour School Dorset (HSD), part of Delta Education Trust.

Opening a new school is both an exciting and challenging task. Many of our current students, parents and staff have been part of our founding cohort and have developed the school from a theoretical plan to a reality, albeit one that was in a temporary building for three years!  We were very excited when we moved in to our brand new building in February 2022, and since then have seen our cohort of students increase from 35 to 155.  Our new building is purpose built to meet the needs of our students, including being set in a beautiful location with lots of outdoor space.

We offer our students a curriculum which is not only broad and balanced, but also exciting and challenging. Values and skills are taught together in a language rich environment which is supportive and safe but also inspiring and exciting. Our school encourages students to begin to take responsibility for their own learning whilst recognising and respecting the needs of others.  We have the facilities to offer both an academic and vocational curriculum, as well as a range of therapeutic and enrichment activities.

Our staff team provide the very best opportunities for our students, and due to our expansion into our new building, we are currently recruiting to a range of positions.  If you’d like to join us, please click here.

Dan Butt – Headteacher, The Harbour School Dorset

What we offer

A Curriculum Built Around the Individual

At Harbour School Dorset, our curriculum is designed around one core belief: every child deserves an education that recognises who they are and helps them reach their full potential. Tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils with ASC and SEMH, our approach blends academic learning with vocational pathways, therapeutic support, enrichment, and real-world experiences. Through personalised learning goals, experiential and outdoor education, strong mentoring, and close partnership with families and professionals, we nurture independence, confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude to learning. Guided by inclusive values and a commitment to wellbeing, our curriculum supports every student to grow, thrive, and prepare for life beyond school learning together in pursuit of happiness.

Therapeutic Thinking: Nurturing Minds, Building Futures

Our Therapeutic Thinking approach at Harbour School Dorset places emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Developed by Angela Wadham, this inclusive, school-based framework helps us understand and respond to the needs behind behaviour, creating calm, consistent support for every student. Using shared tools and strategies, staff plan thoughtfully for individuals and the wider school community—encouraging self-regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour over time. With a strong therapeutic culture, specialist staff, and the comforting presence of our very own therapy dog Poppy, Therapeutic Thinking helps students feel safe, understood, and ready to thrive.

Adventure Learning: Education Without Limits

Adventure Learning at Harbour School Dorset takes students beyond the classroom and into the real world. Led by our expert on-site team, students take part in off-site adventures such as climbing, mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other outdoor challenges that build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and independence. With AALA-approved provision, professional equipment, and highly trained staff, students are supported to push their boundaries safely, develop life-changing skills, and discover new strengths through powerful, hands-on learning experiences.

Launch Your Future with HSD Post-16 Vocational Learning

At Harbour School Dorset, our Post-16 curriculum is all about preparing students for life after school—whether that’s work, college, or apprenticeships. Students choose two vocational pathways alongside essential Maths, English, and Life Skills, gaining hands-on experience in areas like Mechanics, Catering & Hospitality, Horticulture, Hair & Beauty, ICT & Digital Skills, Adventure Learning, Art, and Media. With real-world workshops, professional environments, and extended work placements through our Stepping Stones to Employment program, students build the skills, confidence, and portfolios that employers and colleges value. Supported by a team of skilled professionals and a safe, independent learning environment, every student is empowered to achieve their goals and step confidently into adulthood.

Harbour School Dorset is a state funded Special School for pupils with ASC and SEMH.

The school was founded in 2019 under the Free Schools Programme. We endeavour to help our learners to feel they matter and belong, enabling them to improve their social, emotional and academic skills to be the best that they can be.

The school in Bovington, is based on a beautiful site with a bespoke, carefully designed, new building, which we moved into in February 2022.