Our Transition Journey
A Smooth, Supportive Start to Secondary School
Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting milestone, but we understand that it can also feel daunting for both pupils and parents.
At St Antony’s, we are committed to ensuring every child feels confident, supported and ready for the next stage of their education. Our transition programme has been carefully designed to help pupils become familiar with their new school, meet key staff, make new friends and settle quickly into life at St Antony’s.
Our aim is simple: every child should feel that they belong before they even walk through our doors in September.
Dedicated Transition Leadership
We have a dedicated Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Coordinator who works closely with primary schools, families and staff throughout the transition process.
The coordinator oversees our transition programme, organises visits and induction events, liaises with primary schools and ensures that important information about every child is shared with staff so that support can be put in place from day one. Particular attention is given to pupils who may need additional support, including those with SEND, EAL needs or other vulnerabilities.
Building Relationships Before September
Our transition process begins long before pupils arrive in Year 7.
We work closely with our feeder primary schools to gather detailed academic, pastoral and wellbeing information about every pupil. Staff visit primary schools and meet with Year 6 teachers to ensure we understand each child’s strengths, interests and any support they may need. Parents are also invited to share information that will help us get to know their child as an individual.
This helps us ensure that every pupil is known, valued and supported from the very beginning of their journey with us.
Parent Information Evening
During the summer term, parents and carers are invited to attend our Year 6 Induction Evening.
This event provides families with everything they need to know about life at St Antony’s, including:
- Our Catholic ethos and core values
- Curriculum and learning expectations
- Attendance and punctuality
- Behaviour and rewards systems
- Pastoral care and wellbeing support
- SEND provision
- Reading and literacy programmes
- Homework expectations
- Uniform and equipment requirements
- Key dates for the year ahead
The evening also provides an opportunity for parents to meet senior leaders and ask questions before September.
Additional Transition Days
For pupils who would benefit from extra support, we provide additional transition days before the whole-cohort induction day.
These smaller group sessions allow pupils to:
- Spend time in the school environment
- Meet key staff
- Explore the site
- Build confidence and familiarity
- Experience lessons in a supportive setting
- Meet other pupils before September
- Activities include English, Maths, Science, RE, PE and Art lessons, as well as settling-in activities designed to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
Full Transition Day
All pupils attend a full transition day during the summer term before joining us.
This provides an authentic experience of secondary school life and includes:
- Meeting form tutors and future classmates
- School tours
- Timetabled lessons across a range of subjects
- Introduction to our routines and expectations
- Cashless catering and fingerprint registration
- Break and lunchtime experiences
- Opportunities to ask questions and meet staff
By the end of the day, pupils have already begun to feel like members of the St Antony’s community.
Supporting Pupils with Additional Needs
We are proud of our inclusive approach and our strong reputation for supporting pupils with additional needs.
Before pupils arrive, our staff work closely with primary schools, parents and external agencies to ensure appropriate support is in place. Pupils with SEND are provided with individual pupil passports, assigned key adults and supported through carefully planned interventions where needed.
We recognise that every child is different and tailor support accordingly.
Peer Mentors
One of the most popular elements of our transition programme is our Peer Mentor scheme.
Selected and trained Year 10 pupils support Year 7 students during their first year at St Antony’s. Peer mentors help pupils settle into school life, build confidence, develop friendships and provide reassurance during the early weeks of secondary school.
Year 7 pupils meet regularly with their mentors and many form lasting relationships that help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
The First Day in September
We recognise that the first day can be a nervous experience, so Year 7 pupils are given a carefully structured induction programme.
Activities include:
- Welcome assembly with senior leaders
- Team-building activities
- Library induction and reading activities
- “All About Me” sessions
- Orienteering and treasure hunts
- Personal development sessions
- Opportunities to get to know form tutors and classmates
These activities focus on helping pupils feel safe, settled and connected to their new school community.
Pastoral Care Throughout Year 7
Our support does not stop after the first week.
Every pupil is assigned a Form Tutor who acts as their key adult in school. Form Tutors monitor academic progress, attendance, wellbeing and personal development, and work closely with families to ensure pupils are happy and successful.
In addition, pupils are supported by:
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Support Officers
- SEND Team
- School Counsellor
- Safeguarding Team
- Peer Mentors
This network of support ensures that pupils always have someone to turn to if they need help.
Helping Every Child Thrive
At St Antony’s, transition is about much more than helping pupils find their classrooms.
It is about helping every young person develop confidence, independence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
We know that pupils achieve their best when they feel safe, supported and valued. Through our carefully planned transition programme, strong pastoral care and high expectations, we ensure every child begins their secondary school journey with confidence and excitement.
We look forward to welcoming your child to the St Antony’s family.
Summary Timeline
March–May
→ Primary school visits and information gathering
June
→ Additional transition days for targeted pupils
Late June
→ Parent Information Evening
July
→ Full Transition Day
September
→ Year 7 Induction Programme
Autumn Term
→ Peer Mentoring, Settling-In Evening and ongoing pastoral support
