Drumbeat School and ASD Service

Drumbeat School and ASD Service has shown significant improvement since its last inspection and provides a nurturing environment where autism is celebrated. The school excels in creating a rich and broad educational experience tailored to the individual needs of its pupils, leading to their happiness and success. Staff are dedicated to promoting pupils' independence and personal development, making the school a supportive place for learning and growth. This is the school's first ungraded inspection since being judged to be good for overall effectiveness in March 2019, and its performance suggests readiness for a graded inspection in the near future.

Strengths

• The school provides a nurturing atmosphere that celebrates autism.
• Pupils thrive and actively participate in stimulating learning experiences.
• Personal development and communication are central to the curriculum.
• Staff use various methods to engage students with personalized approaches.
• Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour and mutual respect.
• The curriculum is well-designed to meet the specific needs of each pupil.
• Staff receive appropriate training to deliver the curriculum effectively.
• Pupils develop high levels of independence and are well prepared for future education.
• Strong leadership and governance support the school's ambitious vision.
• Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities for personal development.

In 2024–25 pupils at Drumbeat School and ASD Service attended 90.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 27.6% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Drumbeat School and ASD Service were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Drumbeat School and ASD Service had 6.9 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 7.7% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Drumbeat School and ASD Service had 298 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: autistic spectrum disorder.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Drumbeat School and ASD Service received £36,828 and spent £35,639 for each of its 298 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £237,000 (£794 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Drumbeat School and ASD Service's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Drumbeat School and ASD Service is Good, from an inspection in November 2024.

When was Drumbeat School and ASD Service last inspected by Ofsted?

Drumbeat School and ASD Service was last inspected in November 2024.

How many pupils does Drumbeat School and ASD Service have?

Drumbeat School and ASD Service has 298 pupils on roll.

What age range does Drumbeat School and ASD Service cover?

Drumbeat School and ASD Service for pupils aged 4 to 19.

What are Drumbeat School and ASD Service's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Drumbeat School and ASD Service?

Drumbeat School and ASD Service is at Roundtable Rd & Revelon Rd & Turnham Road, Downham and Brockley, London, BR1 5LE.