Strathmore is a small special school for pupils with complex and severe learning difficulties. Around half of the pupils also have autism. Pupils attend the school from four local authorities in addition to Richmond. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs, and around two-thirds of them are boys. The school receives pupil premium funding for about a quarter of its pupils, which is broadly in line with the national average. Pupil premium is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for children who are looked after. The school also receives additional funding for primary school physical education and sport. Pupils have a range of ethnic backgrounds, with White British being the predominant group. About one in three pupils are at an early stage of learning English, although all pupils have communication difficulties. The number of pupils has increased by more than half since the last inspection. This resulted in additional classes being established and new staff being appointed. The majority of teachers have been appointed since the last inspection. There have also been changes in the leadership team. The deputy headteacher who was in post at the time of the last inspection has since left, and the two assistant headteachers at that time have been promoted to deputy headteachers. An almost entirely new governing body was appointed following the last inspection. The Chair is a National College Leader in School Governance. The school has established partnerships with Richmond-upon-Thames College, Grey Court School and the neighbouring Russell School. The school performs a community role in providing support, guidance and training to staff in local schools about working with pupils with learning difficulties.