Secondary choices - help pls!

[RunJHC]

DS is in Y5, has an EHCP, ASD and moderate learning difficulties. He's about 2 academic years behind across the board, with some strengths particular Y5 level reading and spelling. Struggles with maths.

We're looking at secondaries. Choices are a special school which is lovely but offers max 1-2 GCSEs at 16. Or a fairly academic secondary with ASD specialist provision, where he'd be expected to do minimum 5 GCSEs and possibly 8.

I'm finding it really hard to judge - like trying to gaze into crystal ball and see how much progress he'll make by age 16.

Preference is prob mainstream - feels like it would give him more options and ASD support is great. But am I kidding myself on academic potential??

Would welcome advice or if anyone has had similar dilemmas!! Thx

The transition from primary to secondary is huge so I'd choose the one with the best pastoral provision in place. If he's unhappy or stressed out academic achievements will go out of the window.

Some other considerations about mainstream - I would want to know how much knowledge/experience /training the staff have of autism, what links they have with specialists, how they routinely liaise with parents, what provision is made at lunchtime if DS is struggling with the lack of routine outside, and if there is any opportunity provided to support with homework in school, if this becomes an issue at home. I'd also find out what adjustments they'd be prepared to make if it was felt 5 GCSEs was too much for DS to cope with.

I've read a lot of horror stories on here about ASD children being expected to fit in with school policies and regulations and mainstream schools seemingly clueless about their legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments.

If you go down the specialist school route just because this particular school only does 2 GCSEs there are others that offer more, maybe when DS is older and able to go to a residential setting, which will widen your choice of schools.

The EHCP goes up to age 25 to allow for the fact it may take them longer to achieve their potential. My son has just achieved his level 4 GCSE in English at the age of 24.