BrackenburySecondary Transfer
Preparing Children for Secondary School
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a landmark step in a child’s journey towards maturity and independence. In addition, moving from a smaller school, where everyone knows each other, to a larger environment in which children are taught by several different teachers and in several different rooms can also bring its challenges.
At Brackenbury, we believe that it is important to prepare children carefully for these changes, in order that they have the best chance of making a smooth and confident transition, by focusing both on the skills sets required and the opportunities that such a change presents. We start preparing the children at the start of Year 6 – the children are encouraged to become much more self-reliant in their learning, to think about how to organise their learning and manage their time, how to evaluate their work and to identify the next steps in their learning journey.
In addition, children in year 6 take on a variety of school roles, helping with a range of tasks around the school, including prefects, Junior RA leaders, Young Interpreters and a whole host of other responsibilities. As well as making a valuable contribution to school life, these roles help the children to develop commitment, organisational skills and a sense of personal responsibility that will stand them in good stead for secondary school.
Transition information for parents
It is acknowledged that transition from primary school to secondary school may be just as big an event for parents as it is for children. Therefore, we share information with parents at the start of Year 6 when we go over admission arrangements and give advice on choosing a school.
A power-point with information on the 2025 transfer process is available to view2025 Secondary Transfer Presentation
Hammersmith and Fulham Council produce the booklets and leaflets for parents to support the secondary transition process called: (The lists ones are for 2024, we will uploaded the 2025 ones when they are published. Hints & Tips andMoving On Up
These along with full information on how to apply as well as information in other languages can be found on the: LBHF School Admissions Website
Spending time at secondary school ahead of transition
Experience of the secondary school environment is also very helpful. At various points throughout Years 5 and 6, children gain experience of local secondary schools as we participate various activities held at different Secondary Schools – enabling pupils to become more familiar with the physical surroundings, as well as meeting pupils and children from other schools.
PHSCE work in school to support children through the transition process
Any period of transition can be emotionally unsettling and confusing, and transition from primary school to secondary is no different. On the one hand, children may feel that they are looking forward to new opportunities, or on the other may feel insecure at leaving a familiar environment; they may be looking forward to meeting new friends, or worried that they may lose touch with current ones. We explicitly recognise this and, in the spring and summer terms, timetable regular PHSCE sessions to voice and constructively address their mixed feelings. Specialist transition sessions a run by our Behaviour for Learning Practitioner.
Historic Destinations
Historic destination schools for Brackenbury leavers over the last few years have been:
Further information
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have provided the following information leaflets for parents of children moving to Secondary School. These can be downloaded below:
Transition to Secondary School – Parent Views
Parents Survival Guide and Cheat Sheet
Supporting Your Childs Move to Secondary School
How to spot the signs of cyberbullying
Top 5 tips for mobile phone and online safety
Transition Leaflet For parents of children with Special Educational Needs
