The school provides for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Since the previous inspection, the numbers of pupils with additional learning difficulties have significantly increased to include pupils with autism and those with moderate learning difficulties. All the pupils have statements of special educational needs. There are many more boys than girls. Pupils join the school at any age from five to 11, and often at different points in the school year. Half of the pupils are from White British backgrounds while the other half of the pupils are from a range of other ethnic backgrounds reflecting the make up of the borough. A minority speaks English as an alternative language, but none are at the early stages of learning English. An above average proportion of pupils, about 70%, are eligible for additional government funding (pupil premium) because they are entitled to free school meals or are looked after children. The headteacher and senior team were in post during the two previous inspections.