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Transition to Year 7

Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and we are committed to making the move from Year 6 to Year 7 as smooth and positive as possible for every student. 
We understand that this transition can feel like a big step for both students and families. Our transition programme is designed to help students feel confident, prepared and excited about joining the school community. 

 

Supporting a Smooth Transition 

Throughout the transition process we work closely with primary schools, parents and carers to ensure that we understand each student’s individual needs before they start in Year 7. 
Information is shared between primary schools and our staff so that we can support students academically, socially and pastorally from the moment they join us. Where appropriate, additional transition support may be arranged for students who would benefit from extra visits or support before starting secondary school. 

 

Transition Events 

As part of our transition programme, we host a Transition Evening for students and their families. This is an opportunity to: 

  • Meet key members of staff 

  • Familiarise students with the campus 

  • Learn about life in Year 7 

  • Receive important information about starting at the school 

  • Ask questions about the transition process 

Families of successful applicants will be contacted with further details about the Transition Evening and other transition arrangements before the Summer term. 

These events help students become familiar with the school environment and begin to feel comfortable before their first day in September. 

 

Preparing for September 

Before the start of the academic year, families will receive information about: 

  • The first day of term 

  • School uniform requirements 

  • Equipment students will need for lessons 

  • Timetables and school routines 

  • Key contacts within the school 

This helps ensure that students arrive in September feeling confident and ready to begin their secondary school journey.

 

Pastoral Care 

Pastoral care plays an important role in helping students settle into secondary school life. 

All Year 7 students are supported by: 

  • A Form Tutor 

  • The Head of Year 

  • Our wider pastoral and support teams 

Staff work closely with students during their first term to help them adjust to new routines, expectations and friendships. 

 

Top Tips for Starting Year 7 

Our transition guidance has been developed with advice from an educational psychologist from One Education, who works closely with schools supporting students through key transitions.

Prioritise sleep 

Students aged 11–12 need around 9 hours of sleep each night. One of the most effective ways parents can help is by removing phones, tablets and other devices from bedrooms overnight, which helps improve sleep quality. 

 

Healthy fuel for the school day 

Sending students to school with water and fresh fruit or vegetables helps support concentration and energy levels throughout the day. 

 

Organise the night before 

Helping students organise their books, equipment and school bag the night before can significantly reduce morning stress and help them arrive at school ready to learn. 

 

Make the timetable visible 

Having a copy of the timetable on the wall or fridge at home helps students become familiar with their daily routine and plan ahead. 

 

Know the uniform rules 

It’s important that families understand the school’s uniform expectations before September. This helps students start the year confidently and avoids situations where students receive sanctions for items that parents believed were acceptable. 

 

Encourage independence 

In the months before starting secondary school, it can help to encourage activities that build independence and confidence, such as: 

  • Walking to a local shop independently 

  • Managing small responsibilities at home 

  • Navigating new situations 

Helping children get comfortable with being slightly outside their comfort zone before Year 7 can strengthen resilience and make the transition to secondary school feel much easier. 

 

Questions About Transition 

If you have any questions about starting Year 7 or the transition process, please contact the school office. 

0161 740 7248 

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