Home Education and learning schools School governance, information and traded services
Post-16 travel policy consultation

Have your say on the Post-16 transport policy statement. This sets out the travel support available for young people of sixth form age to attend education or training from September 2025. 

Complete the survey and let us know what you think about our statement or contact us on 020 7364 5001.

SECTION MENU

School Governance and Traded Services

Tower Hamlets provides a variety of Traded Services to enhance education for all pupils in our borough.

We are committed to more than just academic success. We support the overall growth of each young person. This includes their personal, social, and professional development.

We know that education is not limited to the classroom. That is why we offer a full spectrum of services aimed at improving the wellbeing of students, empowering staff and supporting the wider community.

Our approach is rooted in collaboration. Each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of schools, educators and families alike.

Explore the Traded Services we offer and discover how we can work together to impact on the lives of young people in Tower Hamlets.

Farhad Ahmed  -  Assoc CIPD
Head of School Governance and Traded Services
Tower Hamlets Children and Culture
Education and Partnerships

Governor Services

The Governor Services team supports school governing bodies to serve pupils, parents, carers and communities and raise levels of educational achievement.

Our service:

  • Helps governors better understand their role and strengthen their capacity to lead and sustain school improvement
  • Informs the community about governors’ work and support people to get involved
  • Helps recruit new governors who reflect our diverse local communities

Our offer for governors includes:

  • Free guidance and training for new and existing governors, including a supportive helpline
  • Advice on statutory responsibilities
  • Termly reports and briefings from the Director of Children and Culture on national and local policy developments and access to the Schools Forum

Contact the team at governor.servicessection@towerhamlets.gov.uk. 

Tower Hamlets School Library Service (THSLS)

THSLS is a traded service within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and provides learning resources, librarians and library-related advice and support.

We work with all schools in London and the Southeast not already served by another Schools Library Service. 

Learn more on the SLS Tower Hamlets website. Contact the team at schoolslibraryservices@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Traded Services for Schools

Our online portal is a comprehensive destination for all school services and subscription needs. Our platform offers a seamless experience to:

  • Subscribe and manage your services and subscriptions - Easily handle all your subscriptions in one place, ensuring you never miss an update.
  • Book training courses and events - Stay ahead with our upcoming training sessions and events, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Access the latest news and resources - Keep informed with our most recent updates, articles, and valuable resources tailored to your interests.

Explore our portal today, and take advantage of these features to streamline your experience with us.
If you would like further support or details, please contact Abidur Rahman, Operations Manager at abidur.rahman@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
For more information visit the Services for Schools website.

Gorsefield Rural Studies and Outdoor Activity Centre

Gorsefield is a beacon of exploration, learning and adventure.

Set in Essex, this place celebrates outdoor education and community ties. It has become a vibrant hub for schools, groups, and individuals who want to connect more deeply with nature.

Learn more on the Gorsefield website or contact the team at admin@gorsefield.org.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary Schemes

  • Education Maintenance Allowance allows pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £600 to support them with their studies.
  • The University Bursary will support students with living costs at university. Students can apply for £1,500  to help with their undergraduate studies.

Contact the team at education.awards@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Find out more about EMA and university bursaries.

Healthy Lives Team

The Healthy Lives Team works with all school staff, pupils, parents, and governors. We aim to support, encourage, and enable children’s health and wellbeing.

The team makes sure schools focus on safeguarding and seek to protect young people from risk taking behaviours at all possible times.

The team can help with: healthy eating, oral health, physical activity, mental health and resilience, personal social health education and active travel to school.

If you would like further support or details, please contact Kate Smith, Head of Healthy Lives, at kate.smith@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

For more information visit the Healthy Lives page. 

Global Learning London (GLL)

GLL works with children, young people, and their communities. They aim to build hope and inspire action for a fairer and more sustainable world.

The team is part of The Global Learning Network. This network connects independent, not-for-profit organisations. They support and provide global learning in schools and communities across England.

GLL believes in the power of learning through openness and creativity.

They focus on:

  • creative learning projects
  • community cohesion
  • ongoing professional development for educators
  • consulting

Contact the team at hello@globallearninglondon.org. Learn more at Global Learning website.

School Support Service

The School Support Service offers essential help with administration and strategy to the Head of School Governance, Information and Traded Services, and the Director of Education.

The team produces materials for the Director of Education. They organise focus groups to collect stakeholder input and create resources to improve school operations.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing expert advice to headteachers and school leaders on complex parental complaints and governance issues.

  • Supporting sensitive investigations.

  • Crafting policies and procedures to help schools meet compliance and best practice standards.

For more information please contact lorraine.feyi-shonubi@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Tower Hamlets Education Awards

The Tower Hamlets Education Awards celebrate student success. They recognise the hard work of young learners in our borough. They also thank the teachers and families who offer important support.

This exciting event celebrates our young people. It recognises top achievers in GCSEs and A-levels, along with those who have shown exceptional accomplishments and outstanding effort. Schools across Tower Hamlets are invited to nominate their most deserving students.

These prestigious awards show the council’s commitment to better education. They also help young people achieve their full potential.

Read the story on 185 students honoured at Tower Hamlets Education Awards.

Modern Foreign Languages Service (MFLS)

This service provides comprehensive training and support for schools implementing primary modern foreign languages at Key Stage 2.

Since learning a foreign language at KS2 is now required by the New Primary Curriculum, we created a package to help primary schools. This package supports schools at various stages of implementation. It aims to raise teaching standards across KS2 and prepare pupils for language study at KS3 and beyond.

Bespoke packages are available for schools.

If you would like further support or details, please contact Michelle O’Connor, Advisory Teacher for Primary MFL, at michelle.o'connor@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

SACRE in Tower Hamlets is a body that meets to consider and advise on the religious education curriculum for schools within the borough. They're responsible for advising the local authority on matters related to religious education and collective worship in schools, this includes developing and reviewing the locally agreed syllabus for religious education.

The council comprises representatives from different religion and belief groups, teachers, and local authority members. They hold regular meetings to discuss and review the religious education curriculum, ensuring it meets the needs of the diverse community in Tower Hamlets. These meetings are open to the public.

SACRE also provides various resources to aid in the teaching of religious education, including the agreed syllabus and other educational materials, alongside support and guidance to schools to help them deliver high-quality religious education. These resources are available on the Religious Education - Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum.

For more information regarding this body, please contact governor.servicessection@towerhamlets.gov.uk.