My child is in secondary there - doing so well.
Teaach approach not ABA as far as I can see.
Really caring school. Really understand ASD.
Not sure what you mean by mental healthish - it is run by Priory Group and next to Priory Hospital. Really good in terms of promoting good mental health - big on building self esteem, self reliance. Needs of the children always come first - they are very flexible and creative in problem solving and helping them to access education.
Talk to them and raise your questions. Have always found them to be very open and very approachable - ask the questions directly about what you are worried about. No school wants a placement to fail - much better to ask beforehand and see if it is what you are looking for.
Have you looked around yourself - can you see him fitting in? If he liked it that sounds a very positive start.
For our child with ASD, who is very academic - this has been the perfect fit. Has all the nurture and support of a special school (SALT, OT, Psychology all on site) small classes, high pupil / staff ratios, but with a curriculum that is very similar to mainstream as they can do GCSE's, A levels as well as vocational courses.