Groundwork West Midlands is an independent day school for students aged 14 to 16 years with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties. It is situated in a refurbished former factory in a small industrial estate. It opened in September 2011. All students have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools and their education has been disrupted significantly. Students are placed by the local authority. The school is registered for 18 students; there are currently five students on roll. All of these students attend on a part-time basis. The majority also attend other alternative providers of education. One student has a statement of special educational needs for behavioural problems. The proprietorial body is Groundwork West Midlands. This is an independent charitable trust providing a wide range of community programmes within disadvantaged communities. Although the school does not have a religious character, it places a strong emphasis on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, which is clearly reflected in its aims. The school aims, ‘to empower young people to make a valuable contribution to their communities within Stoke-on-Trent, developing their personal and social skills and enhancing their personal aspirations’. This is the school’s first inspection since its registration as an independent school.