Why Hackney?

 

The borough’s unique geographical location enables the mentoring scheme to call upon the support of a growing number of City and locally based enterprises. However, despite its proximity to the wealth of the City, Hackneys’ own economic fortunes are mixed.

 

Hackney maintains two nursery, 57 primary, five special, nine secondary schools and two pupil referral units. The school aged population is rising and is ethnically and linguistically diverse and highly mobile, with:

• 26,760 children attending Hackney schools.
• more than 80% of pupils from black and other ethnic minorities.
• 53% of pupils speaking English as an additional language.
• more than 100 languages spoken.
• an estimated 2,737 refugee children.
• 44% of primary and 50% of secondary pupils eligible for free school meals.
  

 

Many Hackney pupils lack personal confidence and the awareness to identify and pursue career opportunities that match their abilities and meet their aspirations. However, Hackney is winning against the odds; pupils make significant progress from the circumstances they began in, and an increasing number of pupils are staying in full-time education post-16.