Year 6 Transition

Admissions

Our school is hugely popular and attracts applications from across and beyond our catchment area.

Whilst we are currently over-subscribed, we would like to reassure parents that the vast majority of families who name The Friary as their preferred school do ultimately get a place for their child with us.

You can find out more information about admissions here.

Feeder Primary Schools

The largest student cohorts typically transition to us from the following primary schools: Christchurch, St Stephen’s (Fradley), Chadsmead, Willows and Henry Chadwick (Hill Ridware). 

However, in terms of our admissions criteria, we don't have 'feeder' primaries in the strictest sense. Indeed, in a typical year our new Year 7 cohort will be made up of students from over 30 different primary schools. This will include some students who are the only children from their primary school.

Our experience is that the overwhelming majority of students, regardless of their primary school, settle in quickly and well. This is because our Year 6 transition process is well established, taken seriously and with an awareness that it is important to put all of the students at ease through what is a very nerve-wracking experience.

Primary Liaison

The school runs an active primary liaison programme which seeks to enable as many primary students as possible to have taste of life at secondary school, so that they are better prepared for the move at the end of Year 6.

Recent activities have included masterclasses, art projects, performing arts events, sports sessions and MFL taster sessions, among other things. 

Additionally, key staff visit local primary schools throughout the year and gather information from Year 6 teachers so that we are as aware of possible of the individual needs of every student.

Transition

Prior to their official September start, we organise two full taster days in school for students during the preceding Summer Term. These are hugely popular - attendance always nears 100% - and we advertise the dates early with primary schools so that, wherever possible, they can avoid clashes with their own residential trips and other events.

Whilst tutor (form) groupings aren't all-important at secondary level - at least by comparison to primary school - this gives students two whole days with their classmates before they arrive in September. They have an assembly, go to lessons, eat in the canteen and get prior experience of many of the routines they'll be following after the summer break. 

There's also an information evening for parents and carers.

At our discretion, additional targeted visits take place for lone or more vulnerable students.

Further Information

If you require any further information about our Year 6 into Year 7 transition programme, please contact Lottie Hearn, Deputy Headteacher, via office@friaryschool.co.uk.