CouncilApplying to a primary school
Children start primary school in the school year in which they reach the age of five.
A child whose date of birth falls between 1 September 2004 and 28 February 2005, would normally start school in September 2009. A child whose date of birth falls between 1 March 2005 and 31 August 2005 would normally start school in January 2010. However, if the school has an Early Years Unit, all children will start school in September 2009.
Please note that attendance at a nursery class does not guarantee the offer of a place in reception class.
- Letter to parents of children starting school in Tower Hamlets (pdf 20k)
- Letter to parents of children starting school in Tower Hamlets (Bengali) (pdf 450k)
- Letter to parents of children starting school in Tower Hamlets (Somali) (pdf 17k)
The Starting School in Tower Hamlets booklet explains
- How to apply for a school place
- About the different types of primary school available
- How schools make decisions about applications for places
- How parents are notified about the outcome of their applications
- What parents can do if they are not given a school place at their preferred school.
The booklet is available from Tower Hamlets primary schools or by contacting the council's Pupil Services team on Tel: 020 7364 5006.
The Starting School in Tower Hamlets booklet is available in English and Bengali. For a copy of the booklet, please contact the council's Pupil Services team on 020 7364 5006. Use the links at the bottom of the page to download the English version of the booklet:
You can also search for a school in Tower Hamlets and across London online.
From 1 December 2008 you will be able to apply online. The closing date for applications is 13 February 2009. If you make an online application you should not complete a paper application form.
If you need a school place today
If your child is of nursery, primary or secondary school age now and does not have a school place, please contact the council's Pupil Services Team on 020 7364 5006 or by completing an online enquiry form.
Starting School in Tower Hamlets booklet
The Starting School in Tower Hamlets: a guide for parents 2009/2010 brochure will be available shortly. For more information please contact Pupil Services on 0207 364 5006
