Welcome to your Westleigh Journey

Starting secondary school is a huge milestone, and we understand that the move from Year 6 to high school can feel both exciting and a little daunting for children and parents alike. At The Westleigh School, we are committed to making every child feel safe, supported and confident as they begin this important new chapter. From the very first visit, our staff work closely with pupils and families to ensure the transition is smooth, positive and enjoyable.

We know that every child settles at their own pace, and it is completely normal to have worries or questions along the way. Please do not worry, our experienced pastoral and teaching teams are here to help every step of the journey. Through transition events, welcoming tutors and friendly student support, we help children quickly feel part of the Westleigh family. We encourage all pupils to embrace the opportunities ahead, make new friendships and enjoy the exciting experiences that secondary school brings.

Transition to The Westleigh School

A note from Mrs Watling, our Head of Transition & Year 7...

At The Westleigh School, we understand that moving from primary school to secondary school is a significant milestone in a child's educational journey. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported and confident as they begin the next chapter of their education. Our carefully planned transition programme is designed to help students become familiar with their new environment, build positive relationships and settle into school life with confidence.

Our transition programme includes:

  • Year 6 Taster Days – Before our Open Evening in October, Year 6 pupils are invited to spend time at The Westleigh School, experiencing a range of lessons and getting a feel for life as one of our students.
  • Strong Links with Primary Schools – Once school places have been allocated, our Transition Lead, Mrs Watling, works closely with our SEND team and local primary schools to gather important information about every student. This ensures that we understand each child's strengths, needs and interests, enabling us to provide the very best support from day one.
  • Meet the Form Tutor Evenings – Students and their families have the opportunity to meet their form tutor, ask questions and begin building positive relationships before starting in September.
  • Transition Day – Our dedicated Transition Day allows students to meet their classmates, get to know their form groups, explore the school site and begin forming friendships in a supportive and welcoming environment.
  • Bridging the Gap – For students who may benefit from additional support, we offer our Bridging the Gap programme. These sessions help to build confidence, reduce anxieties and prepare students for a successful start at The Westleigh school.
  • Parent Coffee Mornings – We recognise that transition is an important time for families too. Our coffee mornings provide parents and carer with the opportunity to meet members of staff, ask questions and access guidance and support throughout the transition process.
  • Drop in sessions to support Secondary School Applications - We know that applying for secondary school can feel overwhelming - but you're not alone! If you're a parent or carer of a Year 6 pupil and need any help with completing the application, we’re here to support you.

At The Westleigh School, we believe that a successful transition is about more than simply moving schools - it's about helping every child feel safe, valued and ready to thrive. By working closely with students, families and our partner primary schools, we ensure that every young person is given the best possible start to their secondary education.

We are proud of the supportive transition programme we offer, helping our students flourish as they begin this exciting new chapter at The Westleigh School. Let’s make sure every child gets the best start to their next chapter.

 

View or Download our 2026 Transition Booklet

Year 6 Taster Days

Ahead of our Open Evening in October, we welcomed Year 6 pupils from 12 local primary schools to experience life at The Westleigh School.

Across eight mornings, pupils took part in a range of exciting lessons and activities, giving them the opportunity to explore different subjects, meet our staff and get a feel for what it is like to be part of the Westleigh Family.

Our taster days are a fantastic opportunity for pupils to discover what makes The Westleigh School special, build their confidence ahead of the transition to secondary school and begin their journey towards an exciting future.

Key Dates

Tuesday 28th April 2026

Transition Information Evening for parents

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th June 2026

Individual Meet the Form Teacher appointments

Friday 3rd July 2026

New Intake Day

Wednesday 2nd September 2026

First day of school!

Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Year 7 Residential