A class of unmotivated inner city secondary school children were introduced to an innovative, new, dedicated physical environment where computers and multimedia software were seamlessly integrated and which was served by a socio constructivist learning pedagogy. In this environment they were taught English as prescribed in the UK national curriculum. Success for the learners was demonstrated by unexpected levels of exam results and motivation was enhanced as demonstrated by student comments, raised levels of self esteem, ability to complete tasks and increased effort. [The article contains a bibliography.]