Hackney New School is a free school, established in 2013. It is registered to provide education for pupils from the ages of 11 to 19. However, the school currently has pupils only in Year 7 and Year 8. A new site, adjacent to the current premises, is due to be occupied by the school in September 2015. Approximately half of the pupils attending the school are eligible for additional government funding intended for disadvantaged pupils. This is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or receive planned additional support is above average. The proportion of pupils belonging to minority ethnic groups or who speak English as an additional language is well above the national average. The school uses an extended day to provide a wide range of enrichment activities and support with homework preparation. Sporting activities are carried out at a neighbouring park, and at local athletics and swimming facilities. Pupils are provided with laptop computers to help them with lessons in all subjects. The school has a special focus on music and provides resources to enable all pupils to learn to play a musical instrument.