Year 6 Transition

Moving Up

Your child’s transfer from primary to secondary school is both an exciting and daunting time. There are many new things to become familiar with, and we believe that, in order to ensure a smooth transition, your child needs support from both us and from you. Any concerns, questions, or anxious feelings are are completely natural. By working together in partnership, we can help prepare your child for the next stage of their education as smoothly as possible.

At Woodham Academy, we run a number of events to help children become familiar with the school before starting Year 7.

These include our staff visiting students in their primary schools, as well as students visiting Woodham Academy to spend the day with us. This gives them the opportunity to get to know their teachers, explore the school building, and experience a variety of lessons.

If your child has Special Education Needs, you may wish to contact the school to discuss any additional support that may be helpful.

Staff

Mrs Taylor

Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Music

“This is such an exciting time and I cannot wait to welcome you into our school community. One of my roles as Assistant Headteacher is to organise your transition to Woodham Academy. It is my job to make sure we do everything we can to make this process as smooth as possible and to ease any worries you may have.

I have already started contacting your Year 6 teachers to gather information about you and to arrange a visit to your primary school. On Wednesday 1^st July, we will be inviting you all to spend the day with us and experience what life is like at Woodham Academy.

We are a welcoming and friendly school, and I’m sure this is something you will quickly discover. I look forward to meeting you over the coming months.”

Miss Barnett

Head of Year 7 / Teacher of Science

“Welcome to Woodham Academy! I am Miss Barnett and I’m the Head of Year 7. I’m really looking forward to you joining our school community in September. I’m excited to meet you all, get to know all about you and help you make a positive start to your time at Woodham Academy.

We know that transitioning to a new school and year group can feel daunting, but we have incredible teachers and support staff who will help you with things like finding your way around and what to do during the school day. Woodham students are very friendly and welcoming, so there are lots of people around to help you get settled in. I work with Miss O’Sullivan to make sure that you all feel supported, happy and have everything that you need to thrive during your time with us. At your new school, you’ll have so many opportunities and experiences, through lessons and extra-curricular activities. I can’t wait to see what you get involved in.

I very much look forward to seeing you at our transition events and then ready for Year 7 in September. I’m sure that we’ll have a great year together and I’m delighted to help you become the best version of yourself at Woodham Academy.”

Mrs Hardie

Head of Year 7 / Teacher of Art

“I’m delighted to welcome you to our school community. I’m Mrs Hardie and I’m very excited be taking on the role as your new Head of Year 7 when you join us in September. I’m very much looking forward to getting to know all about you and helping you to make a positive start to your time with us here at Woodham Academy. I know that the transition to Year 7 may feel a little daunting, but please be assured that we’re incredibly lucky to have fantastic teachers and students here at Woodham that will do their best to make sure you feel welcome and help you with anything you’re unsure of. My aim, along with Miss O’Sullivan, is to ensure that you feel supported, happy, and have everything that you need to thrive during your time with us. There are so many new opportunities and subjects for you to experience and I hope you’re as excited as we are for you join us. I’m sure that we’re going to have a fantastic year together and I very much look forward to getting to know you and helping you to become the best version of yourself.”

Miss O’Sullivan

Assistant Head of Year

“Welcome to Woodham Academy! My name is Miss O’Sullivan, and I will be your Assistant Head of Year during your time in Year 7. I will be working alongside Miss Barnett and the rest of the year team to make sure you have everything you need to feel safe, supported, and able to enjoy your time with us as you begin your secondary school journey and become the best version of yourself.

As a non-teaching member of staff, I will be on hand to help you with any day-to-day concerns or questions you may have. I have worked with Year 7 students in their first year with us for several years, so I completely understand that some of you may be feeling a little nervous about transitioning to secondary school. Hopefully, you will also be feeling excited, as there is so much to look forward to!

I can’t wait to meet you all and get to know each of you as we begin what I’m sure will be a brilliant year together!”

Miss Gordon

Assistant Head of Year

“Hello and welcome to Woodham Secondary School! I’m Miss Gordon, and as Assistant Head of Year 7, I’m here to help you settle into life at secondary school, both in and out of the classroom. My role is all about making sure you feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Whether you have a question about how things work, need someone to talk to about a worry, or just want a friendly face at break time, I’ll be on hand to listen and help find a solution.

I know how exciting – and sometimes a little nerve-racking – this new step can feel. I’m committed to setting you up for success from day one: helping you build good habits, discover your strengths, and overcome any challenges so you can enjoy your time here and achieve your very best.

I can’t wait to meet you, answer any questions you have about life at Woodham Academy, and get to know each of you as we begin what I’m sure will be a fantastic Year 7 together!”

Mrs Bradley

Key Stage 3 Coordinator

“Hello Everyone! My name is Mrs Bradley and I’m the Key Stage 3 Coordinator here at Woodham Academy. My role is to help you feel happy, safe, and ready to learn as you start your journey at secondary school.

I’ll be around to support you, alongside Miss Barnett and Miss O’Sullivan, with anything you might need—whether that’s help with friendships, behaviour, emotions, or just settling in. I also keep an eye on attendance and punctuality to make sure you’re getting the most out of school.

If you’re finding something tricky, I can work with your family, teachers, and even outside agencies to make sure you get the right support. You might see me in the mornings, break and lunchtime, or student reception. If you ever have a problem or just want a chat, I’m always here to help!

I can’t wait to meet you all in September!”

Year 6 to 7 transition

Once secondary school places have been offered, our team will arrange visits to primary schools to meet students. Our priority is to ensure that all students feel happy, supported, and aware of the support available to them.

We offer a thorough transition programme designed to ease any anxieties or concerns your child may have, helping them to feel excited and confident about the next stage of their education. Our programme includes:

Visits to primary schools by the Year 7 team to meet and work with students.
Assemblies in primary schools led by the leadership team.
Liaison between the Year 7 team liaising and Year 6 teachers to gather important information.
A Year 6 Transition Day, where students spend a day at Woodham Academy, take part in lessons, and meet their form tutors.
Additional, personalised support for students who may need it most.
An Information Evening for parents.
Opportunities to meet key staff individually, such as the SENCo.
Additional school tours, where necessary.

Year 7 Form Tutors

Your child will be allocated a form tutor who will meet them every day and support them in settling into new routines. We aim to place students in a tutor group with at least one friend, and the information we receive from primary schools helps us with this process. These groups will be of mixed ability.

Students will receive a letter informing them of their tutor group, and they will also have the opportunity to meet their tutor before starting with us in September.

School Uniform

Woodham Academy will be supporting the cost of school uniform by providing each student with a school tie. The colour for Year 7 students starting in September 2026 will be black with a green stripe.

For further information about out uniform and personal appearance, please click the link below:

Information on Uniform and Personal Appearance

Students and parents will receive further information in our transition packs, which will be sent out in due course.

Information on Free School Meals

Important Documents

This section will be updated during the summer term to include copies of any correspondence and school forms.

Year 6 transition letter to parents

Y ear 6 transition information booklet

Guidance on registering for Arbor

Additional Uniform Guidance

School Policies

All of our school policies are available on our website. Please find below links to our Behaviour Policy and Uniform Policy. It is advised to familiarise yourself with these policies prior to your child starting with us in September.

Behaviour in Schools Click here

Uniform & Personal Appearance Policy Click here