Tower Hamlets primaries - experiences of new admissions system?

[LemonMagic]

We have one child and are looking to move to a bigger place, staying within Tower Hamlets (probably Stepney/Bethnal Green/Bow). Schools are now something we're considering as a factor in deciding where to live, having never given this much thought before! We love TH and want to stay here, but it seems very complicated because I know the admissions systems changed for 2013 entry with new catchment areas and a 'nearest alternative school' system - so would be interested in any experiences of how this has worked out for you? Any general comments/experience of TH schools also welcome.

Many thanks (from a nervous first time topic starter!)

Hi - ok, I wasn't aware of those stats, and that seems quite good. Any one with direct experience out there? Thanks!

Yes- DD has just got a place at our first choice school. We were in an unusual position, as we live just on the boundary of our catchment, so the schools we had been planning to apply to were suddenly out of catchment.

I know of a number if people living in catchment who have got a place who would not have done under last year's distance allocation. Bonner school has opened an annexe in Mile end so that has also helped.

I think it works, even with the crazy nearest alternative school tiebreaker.

Feel free to PM me and I can give a few more details

Congratulations tethersend - you must be really pleased. Bit tricky to have the rules changed on you like that when you were planning on applying elsewhere. I'll send you a message, thanks for replying.