Primary school admissions figures for Tower Hamlets among London’s best

The waiting is over for parents as the majority of children – 94.8 per cent – in Tower Hamlets starting primary school in September have gained a place at one of their top three choices, it was announced yesterday (Thursday, April 16).
The performance is one of the best in London. For pupils gaining a place at one of their top three choices, the capital’s average this year is 92.6 per cent.
These impressive results provide evidence that Tower Hamlets Council’s primary school admissions policy, alongside its pupil place planning strategy, is working well in meeting the increased demand for school places as well as ensuring positive outcomes for families.
In the past five years the equivalent of 1,785 permanent extra primary school places have been provided by the council anda further 1,050 more will be created from the new school year in September.
School places in the capital are allocated using the Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme. It has been in effect for primary schools since 2011 and allows more parents to be allocated a school of their choice by a fairer distribution of available offers. Parents fill out a single application form which is then shared between different London boroughs.
The council notified parents today by email or letter of the outcome of their application. Those who have not been allocated a place at a chosen school now have the opportunity to secure a place at one of the schools where there are still places remaining.
Overall, 96.6 per cent of children have been offered one of their top six choices.
The success of the primary school admissions out-turn in Tower Hamlets comes weeks after similar success rates for pupils starting secondary school. In March it was announced that 93.55 per cent of pupils gained a place at one of their top three choice secondary schools in Tower Hamlets.