Name changed as suspect some may recognise the area from the school descriptions. Sorry may be a bit long.
The time has come to start thinking about secondary for my DD. She is very bright (easily greater depth although sometimes doesn't show it) but struggles with the classroom environment and size of the class (mainstream primary) so often takes breaks or does her work in a quiet area int he corridor with the 1 to 1. She has an EHCP. All the special schools in our area are for children with MLD or SLD, so these seem the best options. Obviously aware it will depend on if she gets a place but need to request a first and second choice.
School A - Mainstream at our closest comprehensive. Has an autism base (see below) and people with children there (in the mainstream section) say support is fairly good. Previously in special measure but new head has turned it around. Academically not the best and she's unlikely to be pushed but high achievers do manage to get good GCSEs. May be some limited scope for using the base facilities, but they're mostly kept separate. DD want to go here as most her friends will. School is massive with an 8 form entry but typical for the area.
School B - Autism base at school A with 10 places in a year. Intended to be for children working at age related expectations, but in practise due to special schools being full most of the cohort are at least 2 years behind and generally seem to have higher needs than her. Also very boy heavy (some years only have one girl). Expectation is that they do 5-7 GCSEs to allow time for life skills and therapy, and options are chosen based on what most the cohort wants. DD's special interest is a subject not normally offered (though obviously could change). It may be possible for her to have some or even most lessons in mainstream but in practice this rarely happens.
School C - Super selective girls grammar school. She is undoubtedly bright enough and wants to sit the exam (possibly due to DS being at the equivalent boys school, possibly due to the fact that the majority of kids at her school do though few pass). Would get some accommodations in the exam, and only has to pass as has an EHCP (usually a much higher score is required as the pass more than places) but would be expected to keep up in lessons. She isn't always great at doing homework so not sure she would put in the prep required, and there is always the risk school will say they can't meet needs even if she passes the exam. Behaviour at this school is generally considered better than at school A and there would be less disruption in class.
School D - Autism base at another mainstream school. School is a pain to get too (about 3 miles and not on a direct bus route). This base is more integrated and base children spend about 90% of time in mainstream and do the normal complement/choice of GCSEs (possibly dropping one to allow more study time). School itself is one of these super strict academies, with base children also expected to follow the rules. As such behaviour is good but DD would get very anxious as she already sometimes struggles with classroom rules such as not calling out. School is a similar size to school A.
School E - Non selective private school with smaller intake and classes or around 20. Very unlikely LA would agree to fund this but we could probably just about afford it if we cut back on some stuff and LA continued to pay for additional support. Has a good reputation for SEN, but may be some concern as DD had some issues with challenging behaviour when younger and before she had support. These haven't occurred in 2 years but can see that a private school may not want to take the risk.