Trax Academy opened in 2006, under the ownership of the Trax group. Since the last inspection, the school has become part of Care4Children, which operates a total of 10 schools in England and Wales. The school has been refurbished, with further purposebuilt classrooms and a gymnasium. An electronic monitoring system has been introduced. It is a small mixed independent school which provided for pupils and learners with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. It is registered for 13 boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years. There are currently 12 pupils on roll, all boys, aged up to 16 years. All Inspection report: Trax Academy, 17–19 October 2017 Page 9 of 12 pupils are young people who are looked after and reside in children’s homes run by Care4Children. They have been placed at the school by different local authorities across the country. The school offers a vocationally based alternative curriculum, combined with functional skills and GCSE. It aims to re-engage students who are not able to attend mainstream schools. The school comprises a motor vehicle, go-karting and race track located on a riverside site in Preston and a second site specialising in wind sport activities in Lytham St Annes. Both sites offer a combination of vocational and academic subjects. Pupils are supported to study GCSE courses at the Tower Learning Centre, a specialised tuition service in Blackpool. This provision is not owned by Care4Children. Many pupils have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.