Springwell opened originally in January 2008. The school moved to new accommodation in June 2011. All pupils have behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Around one third has autistic spectrum disorder and one third has attention deficit, hyper activity or other similar conditions. The severity and complexity of pupils’ learning difficulties have increased since the time of the last inspection. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. Before joining the school, pupils’ education has typically been disrupted by low levels of attendance or exclusion from previous schools. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is very high. All pupils are White British and there are only a few girls on roll. A very small number is in the care of the local authority. A pupil referral unit, sixth-form provision and associated services share the school’s site and building. Springwell’s headteacher leads these provisions also, but they are inspected separately. The school has two nationally recognised awards from the Disabilities Film Society in recognition of its work in relation to media studies.