Cornerstone School

Cornerstone School, which serves students with autism, has been rated as good overall in its first section 5 inspection. The school exhibits notable strengths in behavior and attitudes, with exemplary conduct displayed by pupils and an outstanding leadership approach that fosters an inclusive and supportive environment. The strong emphasis on personal development allows students to flourish as they contribute positively to their community, enhancing their sense of belonging and self-worth. However, while the curriculum is broad and robust in many areas, some subjects require further refinement to ensure all pupils develop deep knowledge and understanding over time.

Strengths

• Outstanding leadership and management
• Exceptional behavior and attitudes of pupils
• Well-implemented PSHE curriculum promoting personal development
• Strong communication and trust with parents and carers
• Innovative approaches to support mental health, such as therapy dogs
• Engaging enrichment programs that prepare pupils for adulthood

Areas for Improvement

• Some subjects at earlier stages of design and implementation may hinder depth of knowledge development

In 2024–25 pupils at Cornerstone School attended 79.8% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 48.6% 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, 10.1% of pupils at Cornerstone School 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 Cornerstone School had 7.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 19.6% 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 Cornerstone School had 112 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health; 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 2024–25 Cornerstone School received £27,233 and spent £23,401 for each of its 99 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £473,000 (£4,783 per pupil).

Across all 7 schools of Trinitas Academy Trust, income was £9,362 and spending £9,200 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). Academy figures include a share of the trust's central services, shared out by pupil numbers, and are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Premises costs were defined differently from 2024, so compare them across that gap with care.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Bexley · Bexley local authority: places and applications

Cornerstone School is part of Trinitas Academy Trust, which runs 7 schools. The nearest others:

• Trinity Church of England School, Belvedere Belvedere
• St Augustine of Canterbury CofE Primary School Belvedere
• Northwood Primary School Erith
• Christ Church (Erith) CofE Primary School Erith
• Jubilee Primary School London
• St. Paul's (Slade Green) Church of England Primary School Erith

What is Cornerstone School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Cornerstone School is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was Cornerstone School last inspected by Ofsted?

Cornerstone School was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does Cornerstone School have?

Cornerstone School has 112 pupils on roll.

What age range does Cornerstone School cover?

Cornerstone School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

What are Cornerstone School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 19.3, and 9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Cornerstone School?

Cornerstone School is at Halt Robin Road, Belvedere, Kent, DA17 6DW.