The school admits children from the full ability range, with an emphasis on the arts, including visits to museums and theatres, as well as sports and outward bound activities.

It was housed in the Gatehouse of St Bartholomew-the-Great church in Smithfield but moved to Bethnal Green in the 1970s.

It followed the idea that true learning results from children exploring the world for themselves through play.

A child was required to complete a certain number of lessons in Mathematics, English, Art, Geography etc.

The school building was renovated in 2018, bringing two new floors and a new assembly hall, named after the founder, Wallbank.