At Carr Hill High School we work to ensure your child has a successful transition from primary education to secondary education. We understand how important it is for a child to feel happy and confident about the changes ahead and so provide an effective transition programme. Care is taken from an early stage to prepare students for the transition from primary school to secondary school.
We start working with pupils in Year 5, providing our local primary school students with the opportunity to visit Carr Hill High School for an introduction to secondary school life. The following year pupils usually return for a more in-depth visit which expands on their previous experience. These Students benefit from a full day in school with lesson tasters and the opportunity to sample school facilities such as the canteen.
As a well-respected school, a percentage of students from outside of our core catchment area are included within our yearly intake. We appreciate that joining a new school as a student, who doesn’t know anyone is daunting so we make extra arrangements to help these pupils settle in. Students are offered additional support and will be invited on extended visits along with other pupils who are in a similar position. There is extra support available for SEND students and their parents, with the opportunity to arrange additional meetings with specialist school staff to ensure all students’ individual needs are understood and met.
Your Journey to Joining…
We know preparation is key, so here’s what to expect from the time you receive your school allocation, to the 1st day at Carr Hill High School.
March
- Introduction from Our Headteacher
A personal letter to welcome you and outline what to expect in the coming months. - Welcome Pack Sent
As well as a microsoft form to complete with your details, this includes key information about Carr Hill High School, uniform guidelines, important forms, and key dates for the year. - Tours and Meet the Headteacher
Students and parents/carers are invited to organise individual tours and meet with Mr Layzell (March – July available). - Information Gathering
Mr Penney (Head of Year 7) starts the work on gathering academic, personal and character information from Year 6 teachers.
April – May
- Visits from Head of Year 7
Mr Penney visits each primary school to meet students and discuss more vulnerable students needs with primary school staff, including support staff and SENDCO. (Planned for w/c 28th April). - Visits from Headteacher
Mr Layzell will attend primary schools (after the school day) for Q&A sessions about Carr Hill. (Futher details will be communicated by your Primary School)
July
- Year 6 Taster Day
Thursday 3rd July 2025 is a full-day visit where students will meet their new classmates and teachers and get a taste of school life. (More information can be found in your welcome letter) - Parent Information Evening
An in-person session to discuss timetables, transport, uniform, and how we support students during the transition and throughout their journey at Carr Hill High School.
August
- Final Reminders
We’ll send out a reminder about start dates, uniform and equipment checks and what to bring on your first day. - Summer School
18th – 29th August: Summer school helps smooth the transition by building confidence, making friends and getting familiar with the school building. It also reinforces key academic skills to ensure a strong start in September. Please email transition@carrhill-ept.com with the student name and the dates they will be attending. (Please remember to pack a lunch. This will be provided for Pupil Premium students).
