Our Programme
At St .Joseph’s we recognise that the transition inform Year 6 to 7 needs to be a positive and effective experience for both pupils and parents.
We work alongside our feeder primary schools to provide a dynamic and effective transition programme of events so that your child gets to know nus and develops a connection to our school in advance of joining us in Year 7.
We want your child to join us with the confidence that they know our FLAME values, expectations and routines making their first few weeks at St. Joseph's a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Transition timeline and key dates
- 25 September Year 6 Open Evening: Thursday 25 September 2025 6.00 – 8.00 pm
- National application deadline date: 31 October 2025
- National offers are made to students and their families: March 2026
You must accept the offer by the deadline given in the offer letter. Otherwise, it may be withdrawn and the place given to someone else.
- SEND – get to know the team evening: May 2026
- Small group transition evening: May/June 2026
- Transition work/projects in English and Maths: July 2026
- Parent Information Night: Tuesday 7 July 2026
- Transition Days: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 July 2026
- Transition Pack for parents: July 2026
- Summer School: Monday 20th July – Wednesday 22nd July 2026
In Year 5 our feeder primary schools take part in a Maths and English Transition project led by Mrs Whyte, Lead for Transition. This gives both pupils and primary staff a unique insight onto the work we do at St. Joseph’s.
There are also a number of sports events that run throughout Year 5 led by our PE staff and student sports leaders. We are also involved in a number of whole primary school events e.g. St. James Big Lent Walk. Our feeder primary schools are also invited to take part in a transition day in June where the pupils experience a Maths, English, and PE lesson.
By Year 6 our transition programme continues with visits to our feeder primaries by the Headteacher in September. There is the opportunity to attend our Open Evening in September where you and your child can look and the school visit departments and talk to students who are already here.
In the summer term there are a number of transition team will be gathering eh information we need from both you and the primary school your child attends. This ensures we have everything we need for a smooth transition. Our transition team make a series of school visits to talk to Year 6 teachers and our SENDCO will also visit where appropriate.
Where students are coming from a non-feeder primary school, we do a variety of things:
Throughout May and June, we visit schools as above who have five or more pupils coming to St. Joseph’s to introduce ourselves and allow pupils to ask any questions. Where pupils are coming alone or in a very small numbers, we invite these pupils to our ‘Small group transition evening’ with their parents and carers. This is a getting to know you event, with the opportunity to meet a small number of pupils and parents in the same position. It is an ideal chance to see their child relax in our school environment, meet some of the staff and student ambassadors and buddies.
In July you and your child are invited to attend a Parent Information Evening in advance of the two transition days in school.
At the information evening you will be given reminders of our school mission, sim, and FLAME values. You will also be reminded of our school’s pastoral care system, safeguarding, behaviour expectations, routines and unform. We will also outline the activities that will take place on the two transition days and the option of summer school which will run for 3 days in the first week of the summer holidays.
First Days in Year 7
These days are crucial to achieve a positive start to their journey with us at St. Joesph's. To ease this process Year 7, have their own servery for food at lunch and their own yard for break and lunch.
On arriving at school for their first day, our Year 7 students are assembled in form groups in our Year 7 yard. Here they are met by their form tutor, Head of House, and Assistant Head of House. They will remain in form classes for most of the morning and be issued with planners and timetables. This provides students with the opportunity to make friends within their form class, become acquainted with their form teacher and recognise what is expected of them at St. Joseph’s.
Support and Activities
There are several support systems in school in addition to our excellent house system. Year 7 pupils will be encouraged to attend, breakfast club, lunchtime clubs, afterschool clubs and homework clubs which are all free of charge.
Pupils are also able to take instrumental lessons at a subsidised price. Furthermore, each Year 7 form class nominates two representatives to be part of our school’s House Council. This promotes pupil voice within the school which we believe is of key importance to our school community.
During the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Emotional) lessons, pupils will cover a range of topics promoting our FLAME values including character development, work related learning, keeping safe online and relationships education.
Throughout the year, there are several extra-curricular trips and opportunities available.
Applying for St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy
- We can only accept applications made through the common application form.
- Please pay attention to SECTION B which must be completed if you have listed a Roman Catholic School in SECTION A.
- For Roman Catholic children, attach a Proof of Baptism (for example, a baptismal certificate, a letter confirming baptism from your Parish Priest, a copy of first Holy Communion Certificate or Proof of Acceptance.) This should be attached to the application form.