Tower Hamlets in top five for primary school admissions success

Ninety-six per cent of Tower Hamlets children starting reception in September have gained a place at one of their top three preference schools, which is well above the London average.

The figure, obtained through the Pan London Admissions Scheme, puts Tower Hamlets in the top five London boroughs for primary admissions success.

The borough also comes ahead of four out of five London boroughs for getting children into their first preference schools, with over 87 per cent due to attend their top choice.

This marks an ongoing improvement on results, two per cent above last year’s.

Our secondary admissions rate has also surpassed averages, with 93 per cent getting a place in one of their top three secondary schools.

Families were notified of the outcome of their application on 18 April. Those not offered a place at a preferred school have been reserved a place at one of the local schools with places remaining.

Children whose parents applied after the application closing date will be allocated places in early June.

This year, 3,500 children will be starting in a Tower Hamlets primary school.

Terry Bryan, Head of Pupil Services at the council, said: “These new results show our commitment to improving every year, and offering every child the best start in life.

“In Tower Hamlets we have built a culture of success which enables us to provide parent choice and quality at a standard well above the London average, in spite of ongoing pressure on school places.”