Bow School, London

In its own words: "We nurture students who are critical thinkers, problem solvers and relationship builders. Students who are self-aware, inquisitive, resourceful and passionate and are equipped to establish a platform from which they can thrive, both personally and professionally. Our vision puts our students and their current, and future lives, at the forefront of all that we do."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Bow School, a modern and progressive school, underpinned by forward-thinking values and a vision to prepare every student for the future. Our school has a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, student development and success, and we are proud to be a first-choice school for so many families across Tower Hamlets and beyond."

In 2026, pupils at Bow School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 43.8, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 46.4 in Tower Hamlets and 47 across England.

40% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 49% in Tower Hamlets and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 43.2.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.39: pupils made below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 43.2, against 44.4 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 1.2 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 24 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Religious Studies, Combined Science and History.

For September 2026 entry, 72 families put Bow School as their first choice and 265 named it as one of their preferences, for 122 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Bow School are Harris Science Academy East London (0.3 miles, Attainment 8 59.3); Langdon Park Community School (0.6 miles, Good, Attainment 8 46.6); St Paul's Way Trust School (0.7 miles, Good, Attainment 8 52); and Eastlea Community School (0.8 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 46.3).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than Bow School.

Of the 233 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 92% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 35% to a further education college, 0% to an apprenticeship and 0% into work.

Of the 101 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 73% went on to university or other higher education, 2% to apprenticeships and 4% into work. 29% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

45.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 66.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are Asian (66%), Black (11%) and Mixed (8%).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Bromley-By-Bow, about 190 metres away (roughly a 2-minute walk).

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Twelvetrees Crescent, 90 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Bow School stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In 2024/25, Bow School issued 100 suspensions, 8.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Bow School are Marner Primary School (0.1 miles), Old Palace Primary School (0.4 miles), Manorfield Primary School (0.4 miles) and The Clara Grant Primary School (0.5 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.