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Late applications, waiting lists and in-year admissions

Late applications

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2026.

  • If you wish to make changes to your secondary transfer application after the closing date you must contact us  and let us know what change(s) you would like to make, and why.
  • If you are making your application after the closing date, please be aware that your application may not be considered until April 2027, after the decisions have been taken for ‘on-time’ applications.

If there is a good reason for your application being late, for example you have just arrived in Tower Hamlets, you should contact us with your reasons and we will look into whether an exception can be made.

  • If you need to apply for a Year 7 place after September 2027 (and have not previously applied for secondary transfer), you will need to make an application for in-year admission.

Waiting lists

National Offer Day is on 1 March 2027.

  • If your child is not offered a place at one of your preference schools or you are offered a lower preference school, your child’s name will automatically be added to the waiting list for your higher preference school(s).
  • Your child’s name will remain on your preferred school waiting lists until the end of the Autumn term (December 2027). 
  • After National Offer Day, you will be able to see a list of schools that still have vacancies available, with details of visiting times.
  • If you wish to make further applications to schools in Tower Hamlets, including those with vacancies, then you should contact us, with your child’s details and the correct order of your preference(s).
  • If you would like your child’s name to remain on a school waiting list from January 2028, you will need to make an application for in-year admission.

The arrangements for late applications and waiting lists are for Tower Hamlets schools only. If you are applying to schools in other boroughs you should contact them directly to find out their arrangements.

In year admissions

You should make an application for in-year admission if:

  • You need a Year 7 school place now (and have not previously applied for secondary transfer)
  • If you have already made an application for secondary transfer (via eadmissions) and would like your child’s name to remain on a school waiting list after the Autumn term (December 2026)

Please visit our in-year admissions page for more information, and to make your application.

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