Sandwell Valley School in West Bromwich aims to support children who have missed out on educational opportunities, but it wouldn’t be possible without the financial support of the Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust and other local businesses.

Based on the Birmingham Road in the former offices of construction firm Anglo Holt, the school operates as a charity and relies on other schools to buy the services it offers. It accepts pupils throughout the school year from a variety of referral agencies and offers bespoke programmes to match pupils’ needs. This includes emotional or social support, communication programmes for students learning English and post-16 apprenticeships.

The opening ceremony was attended by Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East and the deputy leader of the Labour Party, who praised local business leaders for making the project happen. Principal Mim Hall emphasised that the aim of the school is to ensure the best outcome for all their students, who come with a range of abilities from diverse backgrounds.

The Bond Wolfe Partnership offers commercial property advice, in West Bromwich town centre and the surrounding area. Its charitable trust has raised money for a huge range of worthy causes, including Sandwell Neonatal Baby Care Unit, Oldbury Sikh Temple and Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge. One of the reasons for its support of Sandwell Valley School is the difference it has already made in the region by helping over 300 young people into apprenticeships. Paul Bassi, Bond Wolfe’s chairman, is on the board of governors, along with former head of Walsall Academy, Viv Evans, and Andrew Simpson, the former head of the Headlam Group.

Think Sandwell wishes Sandwell Valley School and all its students the best of luck for the future. If your business is interested in taking on an apprentice, then go to our Recruitment & Training pages to find out how we can help.