Primary Transitions Year 6 into 7

Moving from primary to secondary school is a big step. At Villiers High School, we want children to arrive in Year 7 feeling ready to get involved in school life.  That is why our transition starts before pupils join us. We hold Secondary Experience Days for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, giving them the chance to take part in lessons and get a feel for what secondary school is really like.   We also visit pupils in their primary schools. Staff and our Transition Leaders talk to children about the move and answer their questions.  It also helps them get to know some familiar faces before their first day.

There is plenty of support for parents too. We hold information evenings covering everything families need to know before September, as well as coffee mornings where parents can meet the Head of Year and other members of the pastoral team. We also run a uniform bank during the summer holidays, where families can collect good-quality second-hand uniform.

We know that some children need a little more help with the move to secondary school. We arrange extra visits for pupils with SEND, as well as additional support for children with pastoral, safeguarding, attendance or behavioural needs.

Our Transition Lead is there to support pupils and families from the time they receive their offer and throughout their move into Year 7.

There are also lots of opportunities for pupils to get to know Villiers. These include friendship and confidence-building sessions, subject masterclasses, school orientation activities and an enrichment fair where pupils can find out about clubs, trips and other opportunities.

Once Year 7 begins, that support continues. Our Meet the Tutor evening gives parents the chance to meet the people working most closely with their child and helps us build a strong relationship between home and school.

Ultimately, transition is not just a single event - it is the start of a long-term partnership. By wrapping this support around our new pupils and their families, we ensure every child steps through our doors in September feeling confident, safe, and ready to thrive. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to the Villiers High School community.