Primary school admissions

Reception school admissions: starting reception in 2024/25

Pupils usually start primary school in the September following their fourth birthday. If your child was born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 this will be from September 2024. You must Make an online application for a reception place, even if your child is already attending the school's nursery. 

There is no automatic right of transfer from the nursery class to the reception class in the same school, and attending a nursery class does not give any priority for admission to reception class at the same school.

You must apply via the e-admissions portal.

Closing date for making applications is 15 January 2024.

National offer day

All parents that applied for a Reception school place before 15 January 2024 will be sent a letter with the outcome of their application on 16 April 2024. Parents will also be able to view the outcome of their application on the evening of 16 April by visiting the eadmissions portal.

Parents will receive an email to inform them when the information is available to view on the website. 

Tower Hamlets Transition Support Service provides information, advice and support around transitions. 

Email: transitions@towerhamlets.gov.uk 
Tel: 0207 364 1533


Before you apply

The Starting Primary School in Tower Hamlets brochure contains all the  information you need on applying for your child's reception place.

Watch a short information film on making your application for a reception place

 

Parents Advice Session 

Join the Admissions Service and the Transitions Team for a parents advice session. Reserve your place (various dates).

How to apply

You must apply online, please visit the eadmissions portal. You can apply online from 1 September 2023.

Applying online for your child's reception place is a simple process and you can easily make changes to your application up until the closing date. 

Join the Pupil Services Team and the Transitions Team for an Advice Session - reserve your place now (various dates)Deferring school entry

All children are expected to start school in the reception year in September, if they will be five in that school year.

Deferring school entry means that a child begins school later than September, but still joins their own age-peer group. Complete deferring school entry form or get a form sent to you by calling Pupil Services 

Contact the Admissions Service

By email

You can contact the admissions service by email at school.admissions@towerhamlets.gov.uk

We can only make changes to an existing application if you email your request - this includes change of address and preference/s.

By telephone - 020 7364 5006

Tower Hamlets Transition Support Service provides information, advice and support around transitions. 

Email: transitions@towerhamlets.gov.uk 
Tel: 020 7364 1533

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 Pupil Services or visit our in-year admissions page.

Further information