All the students have statements of special educational needs for learning difficulties. In the vast majority of cases these learning difficulties are severe. A high proportion of students also have autistic spectrum disorders, communication difficulties, challenging behaviour and complex needs. There are about four times more boys than girls. At over 60%, the proportion of students who are known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is much higher than the national average. This is additional funding for specific groups of students, in this case, those who are looked after or who are known to be eligible for free school meals. At over 80%, the proportion of students from over 32 different minority ethnic backgrounds is much higher than in most other schools. Just overt half of these students speak English as an additional language; this proportion is higher than in most other schools. The school manages and employs staff in inclusion classes in Hungerford Primary School and St Mary Magdalene Academy in Islington. The school is a National Teaching School with a Training Centre. The headteacher is a national leader for education.