Transition (Year 6 - 7)
The move from primary school to high school is an exciting and important milestone for students and their families. At our school, we aim to make the transition to Year 7 as smooth, positive, and well-supported as possible.
The transition from primary to secondary school (Year 6 to Year 7) is a big step involving new environments, teachers, and friends, often causing anxiety, but schools and parents can support it through familiarisation events (taster days, tours), information sharing, developing new routines (travel, homework), and fostering independence and new friendships. It's a period of adjustment where emotional support and practical preparation are key for children to build confidence in the bigger school setting.
This page outlines what parents can expect during the Year 6 transition process and how we work together to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why Transition Matters
Starting high school brings many changes for students, including:
- Bigger Environment: Moving to a larger school with different classrooms and a wider staff
- New Routines & Expectations: Different timetables, lockers, and travel methods
- Social Dynamics: Meeting new students and making new friends, plus potentially being the "new kid"
- Academic Expectations: Increased workload and new subjects. Increased independence and responsibility
- Multiple teachers and classrooms
A well-planned transition helps students:
- Feel confident and prepared
- Build positive relationships
- Settle quickly into learning
- Develop organisational and social skills
How We Support Year 6 Students
Our transition programme is designed to familiarise students with their new school and reduce anxiety. This may include:
- Familiarisation: Year 5 & 6 primary workshops at KLA, open evenings, taster days, virtual tours, summer schools and "buddy" systems (older students helping younger ones) and early PGL residential trip.
- Transition Days / Orientation Visits: Students visit the high school to experience lessons, meet teachers, and become familiar with the academy.
- Key Staff: Introducing the Head of Year, Head of Key stage and Pastoral/ Key Leaders early to reduce anxiety around new staff.
- Primary–High School Communication: We work closely with local primary schools to share information that supports each student’s learning and wellbeing needs.
- 1-2-1 visits: Key staff visit primary schools to have a 1-2-1 meeting with every Year 6 student.
- Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Support: Staff focus on helping students adjust socially and emotionally, with a strong emphasis on belonging and resilience.
- Peer Support Programmes: Older students may act as mentors or buddies to help Year 7 students settle into high school life.
- Summer School: We offer a 3 day summer school at the beginning of the summer holidays to enable students to come into KLA and take part in a variety of activities, get used to the school building and meet new students.
- Resources: BBC Bitesize, YoungMinds, and other resources offer peer-to-peer advice and tools.
Supporting Students with Additional Needs
We recognise that every student is different. Extra transition support may be provided for students who:
- Have additional learning needs
- Experience anxiety or wellbeing concerns
- Are new to the area or school system
Parents are encouraged to share relevant information with the school so appropriate support plans can be put in place.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a key role in a successful transition. You can help by:
- Talk About It: Talking positively about high school, discussing their worries and build confidence.
- Stay Calm: Don't show your own anxieties. Listening to your child’s questions or concerns
- Practical Prep: Practising routines such as packing bags and managing timetables. Practice the school journey and establish homework routines.
- Communicate: Attend parents' evenings and stay in touch with teachers.
- Build Independence: Encourage them to manage new challenges, encouraging independence and organisation
- Attending transition and information sessions
Communication and Key Dates
Information about transition activities, transition days/evenings, summer school and important dates will be shared via:
- School newsletters
- Email communications
- The school website
Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date so you don’t miss important updates.
Further Information or Support
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s transition to high school, we encourage you to contact the school (laura.culley-tea@kla.eastern-mat.co.uk). Our staff are happy to discuss how we can best support your child during this exciting next step.
Summer School information:
On Monday 20th July – Wednesday 22nd July 2026, we will be hosting a 3-day summer school event to support the transition of Year 6 students from primary into secondary school. The days will run from 8:30 until 14:00. More information will be sent out via email nearer the time.