Transition: Year 6 to Year 7
A warm welcome to our Academy!
Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, but we understand that it can also feel a little daunting for both pupils and parents. At our Academy, we work hard to ensure that every child feels confident, supported and ready for the transition from Year 6 to Year 7.
Our aim is simple: we want pupils to feel that they are not starting a new school, but coming back to school. Through a range of carefully planned transition activities and opportunities, we help pupils become familiar with our staff, make new friends and feel at home long before their first day in September.
Building Confidence Before September
Primary School Visits
Our transition work begins well before pupils join us.
Members of our staff regularly visit local primary schools in both Year 5 and Year 6 to meet pupils and talk about life at the Academy. These visits provide an opportunity for children to:
- Learn about secondary school life
- Find out about subjects, clubs and enrichment opportunities
- Ask questions and share any concerns
- Meet familiar faces before joining us
These visits help to build excitement and ensure that pupils feel informed and reassured about the next stage of their education.
Supporting Parents and Carers
We know that transition is an important time for families as well as pupils.
To support parents and carers, we hold a Transition Coffee Morning, providing a welcoming opportunity to:
- Meet members of Academy staff
- Get to know other parents and carers
- Ask questions about the transition process
- Discuss any concerns or individual needs
We believe strong communication and positive relationships between home and the Academy are essential in ensuring a successful start to secondary education.
Transition Days
We hold a dedicated Transition Day for the majority of our incoming Year 7 pupils. This provides an opportunity for students to experience a typical day at the Academy before they officially start.
During the day, pupils can:
- Meet their teachers and classmates
- Take part in lessons and activities
- Learn about Academy routines and expectations
- Familiarise themselves with the school environment
This helps pupils feel prepared, confident and excited for September.
We recognise that some pupils may benefit from additional support during the transition process. Alongside our main Transition Day, we also offer a SEND Transition Day tailored specifically for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
These smaller, more personalised sessions allow pupils to:
- Become familiar with the Academy at their own pace
- Meet key staff and the SEND team
- Practise moving around the site
- Build confidence in a supportive setting
- Address any individual concerns before starting Year 7
Our aim is to ensure every child feels comfortable, supported and ready to thrive from their very first day.
HazeleyFest
One of the highlights of our transition programme is our annual Year 6 HazeleyFest.
Each year, incoming Year 7 pupils are invited to spend a Friday afternoon with us, taking part in a wide range of fun activities led by our staff and students. The event gives children the chance to:
- Meet other pupils who will be joining Year 7
- Get to know our teachers and support staff
- Explore the Academy site and facilities
- Experience life at the Academy in a relaxed and enjoyable environment
For those who wish to take part, the event also includes a sleepover experience, creating lasting memories and helping pupils feel even more comfortable in their new surroundings.
By the time pupils return in September, many already know their way around, have made new friendships and feel much more confident about their first day.
Looking Ahead
We are committed to making the move from Year 6 to Year 7 a positive, enjoyable and exciting experience. Through our transition events, school visits, parent engagement opportunities and tailored support programmes, we help every pupil feel welcomed, valued and ready to thrive from day one.
We look forward to welcoming our newest students and helping them feel part of our Academy family before they even start.