About the charity

The Bridge Academy, Hackney, is a mixed, non-denominational school for 11-18 year olds. It welcomed its first intake of 187 students in September 2007 and by 2013 it will cater for 1,150 students, including a sixth form for 250 students. UBS is the leading city financial firm which has helped to support and establish the school which specialises in Music and Mathematics. Hackney is one of the most deprived areas in the UK - unemployment is at 16% which is double the London average and 3 times the UK average. 82% of the population live in social housing and 47% of all residential lettings are in receipt of Housing Benefit. Approximately 50% of pupils in Hackney are eligible for free school meals (an indicator of poverty on the deprivation index) compared to a national average of about 20%. Despite its proximity to the City, 30% of school leavers never get a job. Through the Bridge Academy partnership UBS seeks not only to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for learning among students, but also to support regeneration in the area. For more information please visit http://www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk/.