Trinity Church of England School
Secondary
Transition to Secondary
A confident start to Year 7
Helping pupils begin Secondary school feeling known, welcomed and ready for what comes next.
Moving from primary to secondary school is an exciting step. It brings new subjects, new teachers, new friendships and greater independence.
At Trinity, transition begins before pupils arrive. We take time to help children become familiar with the school, meet staff and other pupils, understand new routines and begin building a sense of belonging.
Our aim is simple: every pupil should arrive in Year 7 feeling that Trinity is becoming their school.
Known from the start: our transition programme helps pupils build confidence, relationships and familiarity before their first day in Year 7.
Why transition matters
Families rightly want to know that their child will be happy, supported and ready for the expectations of Secondary school.
At Trinity, transition is about much more than finding classrooms and learning a timetable. It is about helping pupils feel secure enough to embrace new opportunities, develop independence and aim high.
One school, one journey
For pupils continuing from Trinity Primary, Year 7 is the next stage of a journey that can begin in Reception and continue through to Year 11.
Familiar values and established relationships provide continuity, while Secondary brings specialist teaching, new subjects, wider opportunities and increasing independence.
For pupils joining from other primary schools, our transition programme helps them become part of the same Trinity community, building relationships and confidence before September.
Leadership across the transition
Year 7 transition is led by Ms Amanda Harvey, Head of Primary and Head of Year 7.
Her leadership across Primary and Year 7 creates a strong bridge between the two phases and helps ensure that transition reflects what children need as they move into Secondary school.
Your transition to Trinity
Our transition programme develops over time. Select each section below to find out more.
Year 5 experiences
Our transition work can begin before Year 6. Opportunities such as Year 5 trial days allow pupils to experience Trinity Secondary, take part in learning, meet staff and begin imagining what Secondary school may feel like.
These experiences also give families an early opportunity to explore whether Trinity is the right fit for their child.
Open events and visits
We encourage families to see Trinity for themselves. Visiting during the school day gives parents and pupils an opportunity to experience the atmosphere, meet staff and pupils, and learn more about teaching, pastoral care and wider school life.
After your place is offered
Once places are confirmed, transition becomes more personal. Families receive information to help them prepare, while pupils have opportunities to meet staff and other children joining Year 7.
Good communication between schools is an important part of this process. We gather relevant information from primary schools and families to help staff understand pupils’ learning, strengths, interests and any support that may be helpful before September.
Transition activities and friendships
Transition activities give pupils opportunities to meet one another, ask questions, experience the Secondary environment and begin developing friendships.
Transition day gives pupils the opportunity to spend time at Trinity with others who will be joining Year 7, experience learning and become more familiar with staff and routines.
Where summer opportunities are offered, pupils may have further opportunities to build friendships and confidence before the start of term.
Familiar faces can make a significant difference when September arrives, particularly for pupils joining Trinity without friends from their primary school.
Additional transition support
Some pupils may benefit from additional reassurance or a more personalised transition experience.
Where appropriate, additional visits or transition support may help pupils meet key adults, become familiar with the environment and prepare for Secondary routines. Families are encouraged to share any concerns early so that appropriate support can be considered.
Feeling known in Year 7
Transition does not end on the first day. The early weeks of Year 7 are an important part of helping pupils settle, build confidence and become increasingly independent.
Family Groups
Family Groups give pupils a smaller daily community within the wider Secondary school.
Family Group leaders provide a regular point of contact and help pupils prepare for the day, develop positive habits and feel known within the school community.
Pastoral care
Staff support pupils as they adjust to new routines, friendships, expectations and greater independence.
Where pupils need additional support, we work with families to understand concerns and consider appropriate next steps.
Learning and opportunities
Starting Secondary school opens the door to new experiences, greater independence and opportunities for pupils to discover where their strengths and interests can take them.
At Trinity, pupils build on their Primary learning through an ambitious curriculum and specialist teaching, while experiencing new subjects, clubs, leadership, sport, the arts and wider enrichment.
Transition is therefore about more than helping pupils settle. We want every child to begin discovering what they can achieve, contribute and become during their journey from Year 7 to Year 11.
Support for parents and carers
Parents and carers are an important part of a successful transition.
Families will receive practical information about the school day, uniform, equipment and arrangements for starting Year 7. We also encourage parents and carers to contact us if there is anything they feel we should know about their child before September.
Ready for the next step
Moving into Secondary school is an important milestone, but pupils do not take that step alone.
At Trinity, careful transition, strong relationships, ambitious learning and pastoral support help pupils begin Year 7 with confidence and a sense of belonging.
Whether a pupil continues from Trinity Primary or joins us from another school, our aim is that they quickly feel known, welcomed and ready for what comes next.
Explore Trinity
Trinity
Primary
Leahurst Road,
London,
SE13 5HZ
Secondary
Taunton Road, Lee,
London,
SE12 8PD