Hackney New School building exhibition

Hackney New School moves one step closer to opening as it holds a building plans exhibition this Friday.

Last week the De Beauvoir-based school, scheduled to open in September, became the first free school opening this year to sign its funding agreement.

Friday’s exhibition will give people from the area the opportunity to meet the architects, builders and school team and to see the ideas for the new building.

Residents will have the opportunity to air their views before a planning application is made.

Shoreditch-based architects Henley Halebrown Rorrison – who were named Public Building Architect of the Year in 2011 – are designing the new school alongside two refurbished buildings on the Union Wharf site.

Hackney New School’s programme director Phillippa De’Ath said: “The new school will have music at its heart with a large performance space as well as outside space for sport and play.”

Head of Hackney New School wants success for every child

Lesley Falconer

On a chilly autumnal day, over frothy mugs of cappuccino in the Geffrye Museum cafe, Hoxton, newly appointed head teacher Lesley Falconer spoke to Free School Talk about her vision for Hackney New School (HNS). A specialist focus on music, an extended school day, and exploration of philosophical ideas are just some of the features on offer at the new free school, which is due to open in September 2013. At the helm of this project, Lesley Falconer brings a wealth of teaching