DS - yr10 ASD & EHCP and problems at school

[smartiecake]

DS had a statement before he started primary and now has an EHCP. He is very bright and also very autistic. Dx is HFA. He was in an ASD primary base and did really well and did Yrs 5 & 6 in mainstream with 1-2-1 support. He is now in an ASD base, attached to a mainstream secondary.
Its not going well, i don't like the school. Its rough and lots of disruptive kids in lessons and kids deliberately provoking my DS to get a reaction, and my DS explodes and is taken out of lessons. We are trying different classes now after half term, and he has been moved to bottom sets for core subjects. He is capable of grade 8's in GCSE's although unlikely to achieve this due to ASD and the hoops he will be expected to jump through sadly.
DS is constantly stressed and every day tells me he has had a bad day. Its breaking my heart and I'm totally at a loss as to what to do. He needs an ASD school that offers GCSE's, small classes and high support needs. However there isn't one in our borough. There is one that would be approx 1 hour journey each way but I haven't looked into it or contacted them yet.
Increasing I feel DS cannot cope in a mainstream environment, and certainly not in that school. Both DH and I work and DS won't do any work at home, so HE is really not an option that I have considered. I don't think it would be in DS's best interests either as he is sociable and desperate for friends so needs social interaction with other .
I don't really know why I'm posting. We are going to have a meeting in 2 weeks at school to review these new sets. I'm going to contact the ASD school and also sendiass. I can see it totally unravelling for DS and I'm upset for him and angry at the shitty system that offers such poor provision to my amazing DS who deserves so so much more.
I don't think they are meeting his needs so am going to go through his EHCP and pick out the finer details. I know I would have a massive battle to get him placed anywhere else. I just know that where he is isn't good enough for him.
Has anyone been through anything similar and could point me in the right direction of what to do? Thanks

I would look at the SS, up to 1hr15 is considered reasonable travel time for secondary pupils, although many travel further. Are there any other suitable SS within travelling distance? You can search for schools here. I appreciate you may not want to but if you post where you are someone might have suggestions.

Hi OP. I just wanted to say I'm in exactly the same position as you and agree. It's just horrible to see your bright child sinking. We've had 2 failed mainstream settings. The second one had an asd unit, but it was pointless. Now ds is unable to attend at all due to school anxiety (hasn't gone in at all this term) . So sad. Most of the ss don't do a full set of gcses and are packed with SEMH kids. The mainstream ones are too big and unsupportive.

We're waiting for the LA to consult with some schools but they are all full in his year. HFA seems to be the most tricky fit. Just letting you know you're not alone. Whereabouts are you?

MackenCheese its totally shit isn't it. I'm despairing over what to do when there is no suitable obvious solution.