Headteacher of Shortenills Schools Welcome
It is a privilege to welcome you to Shortenills Special School. We are a vibrant, nurturing community dedicated to supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many of our students have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences, and we are committed to providing the care and nurture that they need to grow.
Shortenills operates across two sites and four provisions:
Shortenills Forest - Chalfont St Giles - set in 10 acres of beautiful woodland, our main site caters for 32 secondary-aged pupils with EHCPs where SEMH is the primary need. It also hosts a one-day-a-week Forest School intervention programme for up to 32 primary-aged children, and we are proud to have recently opened a Post-16 provision to continue supporting students to live fulfilling lives.
Shortenills Abbey - Aylesbury - our Aylesbury site provides specialist education for 24 children with EHCPs (SEMH as a primary need), within a smaller, highly supportive environment.
Across all of our provisions, our vision remains the same: to create a warm, welcoming environment where every student is known, understood, and celebrated. We work together to achieve a love of learning and a desire to embrace challenge across all aspects of the curriculum. We aim to prepare students for life beyond school to ensure they can be the best version of themselves as they move onto their next chapter.
Through determination, high expectations, and a culture where every young person truly matters, our students discover resilience, joy, and a sense of belonging. We equip students with the knowledge and skills to move into adulthood confidently.
We are also proud to be part of the Aspire Schools, where we share a collective commitment to something truly special: changing lives
