Bow School
87%
Capacity
1,173
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Bow School
Bow School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Tower Hamlets community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,173 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Bow School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Danny Lye, it falls under Tower Hamlets local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.39 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2444th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 17 in Tower Hamlets.
Bow School is a popular choice with families — it received 299 applications for 231 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 83 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bow School include Theatre, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Martial Arts, Rugby, Badminton and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Choir, Debate and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 46.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Tower Hamlets, Bow School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | 44 Twelvetrees Crescent, London, Tower Hamlets, E3 3QW |
| Headteacher | Danny Lye |
| Local Authority | Tower Hamlets |
| Number of Pupils | 1,173 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 46.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,173 / 1,350 (87% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Sept 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 May 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.39)
2444th of 3,141
Nationally
448th of 487
In London
15th of 17
In Tower Hamlets
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.2
'22/23
24.5
'23/24
31.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed231
299
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
83 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bow School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
44 Twelvetrees Crescent, London
Tower Hamlets, E3 3QW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
