Year 6 Transition
The transition to secondary school is a very exciting time, a time of new discoveries and opportunities. It is our job to ensure that we do all we can to make the move to 'big school' go as smoothly as possible and to ensure each child makes the very best start to their secondary school journey.
Open Events
Before you apply to your chosen secondary schools with your Local Authority you should visit the schools you are considering. Come along to one of our Open Events to speak to students and staff and view the school site. Click here to view any scheduled events
Apply via your Local Authority – The application deadline for Year 6 children is 31 October. Children on the SEND register may need to apply earlier in Year 5.
National Offer Day is 1 March – when each parent is told which school their child has been placed for Year 7 in September.
Year 6 Activities
During Year 6 there are lots of activities which enable children to gain confidence and prepare them for their next big steps. From day trips to school residentials, studying for their SAT tests, debates or school performances, they are gaining confidence which will help them navigate the word of secondary education.
Communication
In May we write to parents giving more information, including bus applications and uniform.
During Terms 5 and 6, our Transition Leader, will have conversations with primary school teachers to get to know the children coming to Bradon Forest in September. This will help us understand any needs and likes/dislikes and friendships. We work closely with our primary school teachers preparing us, and your child, for a positive start in September.
Our final letter is sent out at the end of June, including information for the Induction Day.
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Induction Day
Our Induction Day for our new Year 7 students is on Thursday 9 July 2026.
An information evening will also be held for our new parents that evening at 6pm.
A selected number of older students will support our new students during their Induction Day. These students will be their Peer Mentors throughout Year 7.
Additional Transition sessions may be offered, if it is felt this would be helpful by the Transition Leader and your Primary School teacher.
Bus Application Deadlines:
- Swindon residents using the Bradon Forest Bus service: 15 May 2026
- Wiltshire residents using the Wiltshire Bus service: 1 June 2026
Year 7 – Term 1
All Year 7 students will attend Bradon Forest for the first few days with just their Peer Mentors, to help them adjust. Break times and lunchtimes are spent in Dining Hall 2 (D2) with only Year 8 students (Years 9-11 go to the Main Hall). Students follow their timetables and move around the school in their tutor groups. If there are any concerns, they can seek advice from their Tutor, Year 7 Student Support Assistant or the Head of Year 7.
Parents receive an invitation to attend an Engagement Evening at school in the Main Hall. Here you can view the latest presentation file:
Grandparents Coffee Morning
At the end of Term 1 a Celebration Assembly is held. Year 7 Grandparents are invited into school for this special assembly to witness their grandchild's achievements and are toured around the school by them. Afterwards they are offered tea/coffee with cake/biscuit and have the opportunity to speak to some members of staff. We feel this event embeds our school ethos, as well as nurturing the important role grandparents serve in family life today.
If you have further questions, please email: primaryadmissions@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk