This application should only be completed if your child does not have a current school place or requires a change of schools during the school year.
• If your child is due to start nursery, reception class or Year 7 in September please apply at eadmissions. If you have already done so and would still like to make an in-year application, please refer to your offer letter for advice on what to do next.
• If you are applying to an academy, free school or voluntary aided school (Church of England or Roman Catholic), you may also need to complete and return a supplementary information form (SIF) direct to the school.
• If you are requesting priority admission under medical/social grounds, please upload relevant supporting information with your application.
• If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you should contact the Special Educational Needs team. Do not complete this application.
• If you are applying for schools outside Tower Hamlets, please contact the relevant Local Authority.
• We do not accept applications to independent schools.
Once you have submitted your in-year admission application correctly you will receive a confirmation email. You do not need to seek further confirmation from the School Admissions Service.
School History Form (SHF)
Changing school may not always be in your child’s best interests. Where possible, please discuss your transfer application with your child’s current school, to see if any issues can be resolved without disrupting your child’s education.
If you still wish to apply for a transfer, please ensure the School History Form has been completed by your child’s current or most recent school and is ready to upload with your application.
Failure to submit this form may lead to delays in processing your application.
Fair Access protocol (FAP)
A fair access protocol exists to ensure that children without a school place, especially the most vulnerable, are offered a place at an appropriate school as quickly as possible.
If your child is on roll at a school, and you think your application should be considered under FAP, you must discuss this with your current school.
Processing your application:
If your child is not on roll at a school, your application will be processed within 15 school days from application date. This may take longer during busy periods.
Transfer Applications will be processed as below:
Application Type (Start Date) | Closing Date | Parents Notified |
| Spring Term Transfer (January 2026 start) | 31 October 2025 | 21 November 2025 |
| Summer Term Transfer (April 2026 start) | 30 January 2026 | 6 March 2026 |
| Autumn Term Transfer (September 2026 start) | 5 June 2026 | 26 June 2026
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Transfer applications submitted after 5 June 2026 deadline will not be processed, you will need to submit a new transfer application from 1 September 2026 which will be considered for the next transfer round.