Transition

We understand that starting secondary school is a very exciting time, but also one that can be a bit worrying for students, as well as their parents. Transition at Oxted School is designed to ensure every student feels confident, supported, and excited as they move into the next stage of their education.   Through our Cradle 2 Career programme we work closely with our partner primary schools, families, and pastoral teams to provide a warm, structured introduction to life at Oxted.

Key features of our Transition Programme:

School Tours (March)

For families whose child has been allocated Oxted School but did not initially choose us, we offer a welcoming support process to help you feel confident about the transition. We arrange tours of the school so you can experience our community first‑hand, meet key staff, and ask any questions you may have.

Welcome Packs for Parents/Carers and Students (April)

Our Welcome Packs are designed to provide all the essential information needed for a confident and well‑prepared start at Oxted School. The packs include key details about daily routines, uniform, pastoral support, curriculum opportunities, and upcoming transition events. They also offer practical guidance to help families understand what to expect and how to support their child during this important stage.

Student Welcome Postcards (May)

Our current Year 7 students write personalised Welcome Postcards to the new Year 7 intake, offering friendly advice, reassurance, and a glimpse into life at Oxted School. The postcards celebrate the excitement of starting secondary school and provide a peer‑to‑peer connection that helps ease first‑day nerves and builds a strong sense of belonging from the very start.

Student Induction Day (July)

Student Induction Day is an exciting opportunity for our new Year 7 students to experience life at Oxted School before September. Throughout the day, students meet their tutors, explore key areas of the school, take part in introductory lessons, and begin forming friendships with their new peers.

Jump Start (July)

Jump Start is special part of our transition programme designed for students joining Oxted School with SEND needs, or from smaller primary schools or settings where only a few pupils are making the move together. The day provides a relaxed and friendly opportunity for students to meet others in a similar position, build early connections, and grow in confidence before September.

Parent Induction Evening (July)

Our Parent Induction Evening provides families with a warm welcome to Oxted School and an opportunity to learn more about the support, expectations, and opportunities available to students joining us. During the event, parents and carers meet key staff, explore our curriculum and pastoral provision, and gain practical information to help ensure a smooth and confident start to secondary school.

Peer Support & Welcome (September onwards)

Peer support plays a central role in helping our new Year 7 students feel welcomed and confident as they join Oxted School. Each tutor group is assigned a team of trained prefects who act as positive role models and friendly, approachable points of contact. Our prefects work closely with tutors to offer guidance, answer questions, and help younger students settle into daily routines.

Parent Information Evening (September)

In September, we host a dedicated Parent Information Evening for all families of our new Year 7 students. This event provides an important opportunity for parents and carers to meet key staff, learn more about our curriculum and pastoral systems, and gain practical guidance on supporting their child during the transition to secondary school.

Joint Book Checks (October)

In October, we carry out joint book checks with our partner primary schools to ensure that the transition into our Year 7 curriculum is seamless and appropriately challenging. By reviewing students’ previous work alongside our early Year 7 books, we gain valuable insight into their prior learning, strengths, and areas requiring further support.

Academic Review Day (November) and School Reports (December)

Our Academic Review Day provides an important opportunity for students and their families to reflect on progress and set clear goals for the year ahead. During scheduled appointments, parents and carers meet with tutors to discuss academic achievement, personal development, and next steps, ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. This day complements our regular reporting cycle, where families receive detailed progress reports outlining attainment, effort, and targets across all subjects. 

Further Support

This useful guide for parents gives great advice about how you can support your child through their transition to secondary school.

Anna Freud – Supporting Children’s Transition to Secondary School