Best Schools in Tower Hamlets 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 91 schools and nurseries in Tower Hamlets — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Tower Hamlets in East London has 91 schools educating over 44,000 pupils across Bethnal Green, Bow, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and Mile End. The borough has experienced one of the most remarkable educational turnarounds in England, transforming from one of the lowest-performing boroughs to one that rivals the best.
Tower Hamlets schools now achieve Progress 8 scores well above the national average, demonstrating exceptional value added. Mulberry Academy Shoreditch, Bow School and Swanlea School are among the strong secondaries.
Tower Hamlets at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Tower Hamlets
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Wharf College, Glenworth | Tower Hamlets | Good | 93% | — | — |
| St Agnes RC Primary School | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| Globe Primary School | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | 89% | — | — |
| Bigland Green Primary School | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | 88% | — | — |
| Canary Wharf College, East Ferry | Tower Hamlets | Good | 86% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Tower Hamlets
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanlea School | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | +0.81 | 84% | 67% |
| Bishop Challoner Catholic School | Tower Hamlets | Good | +0.78 | 84% | 68% |
| Stepney All Saints Church of England Secondary School | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | +0.77 | 80% | 87% |
| Mulberry School for Girls | Tower Hamlets | Outstanding | +0.61 | 77% | 95% |
| St Paul's Way Trust School | Tower Hamlets | Good | +0.54 | 80% | 46% |
Admissions in Tower Hamlets — Key Dates
Tower Hamlets Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Apply through towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Tower Hamlets?
Mulberry Academy Shoreditch, Bow School and Swanlea School are highly rated secondaries. At primary level, many Tower Hamlets schools achieve excellent KS2 results, particularly in reading and maths.
How good are Tower Hamlets schools?
Tower Hamlets schools have improved dramatically and now outperform the national average on progress measures. The borough is a national success story in education improvement.
Is Tower Hamlets a good area for schools?
Yes. Despite higher deprivation, Tower Hamlets schools add exceptional value. The borough's Progress 8 scores are among the highest in London, meaning pupils make significantly more progress than expected.
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