Welcoming Our New Year 7 Students: Transition Week 2026

The week beginning 29 June 2026 was an exciting and important milestone for our incoming Year 7 students as we welcomed pupils from our local primary schools for a series of transition events designed to help them prepare for life at the academy.

Parents' Welcome Evening

On Monday 29 June, we were delighted to host a Parents' Welcome Evening, giving families the opportunity to meet their child's tutor ahead of September.

Our new Year 7 tutor team includes:

Mr Duthuit
Mrs Gibbins
Mrs Boulton
Miss Lane
Mrs Lain
Ms Reed, who is kindly standing in for Miss Overton before she joins the academy in September

Parents also had the opportunity to meet Mrs McLoughlin, Head of Year, Miss Logan, Assistant Head of Year, and members of our Senior Leadership Team. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for families to learn more about the academy, ask questions, and begin building relationships with the staff who will support their children during this exciting next stage of their education.

Transition Day 1

On Wednesday 1 July, we welcomed students for the first of two transition days.

The day began with a warm welcome assembly in the Isaac Hall, where students were introduced to academy life and the exciting opportunities that await them. Throughout the day, pupils took part in a variety of activities including:

Tutor time activities
A visit to the library
A guided tour of the school
Lunch in the Isaac Hall
PE House competitions

The day concluded with a review session back in the Isaac Hall, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and share their thoughts about their first day at the academy.

Transition Day 2

During the second transition day, students had the opportunity to experience a range of academy lessons and meet staff from across different subject areas. Lessons included:

Technology
Spanish
Geography
French
History
Drama
Personal Development
Art
Beliefs & Values
Computing
Science

These taster sessions gave pupils an insight into the broad and exciting curriculum they will enjoy when they join us as Year 7 students.

At the end of the day, all students gathered once again in the Isaac Hall before being collected by their parents.

Looking Ahead to September

It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic and engaged young people embracing the opportunities offered during the transition programme. The new students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the academy, made new friends, met key members of staff, and began to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.

We are delighted to hear how excited they are to begin their secondary school journey and look forward to welcoming them back to the academy in September 2026 as they embark on this new adventure.