Secondary Transfer

The process of applying for a secondary school place can be an exciting yet daunting experience for both parents and pupils. At Downe Primary School, we are committed to supporting our families throughout this transition, ensuring that they have the information and guidance they need to make an informed decision.

Key Steps in the Application Process:

• Attend open days and events at local secondary schools to get a feel for the different options available.
• Research the admission criteria for each school, including any entrance exams or aptitude tests, to understand the requirements.
• Complete the online application form provided by your local authority, ensuring that you submit it before the deadline.
• If required, complete any supplementary information forms for the schools you are applying to.
• Consider your preferences carefully, as you will be asked to rank the schools in order of preference.
• Be aware of the notification date when you will receive the outcome of your application.

Preparing for the Transition

To help our pupils feel confident and prepared for the move to secondary school, we work closely with our local secondary schools to ensure a smooth transition. This includes:

• Organising visits and taster sessions for our Year 6 pupils to experience life at their new school.
• Facilitating meetings between our teachers and the secondary school staff to share information about individual pupils’ needs and strengths.
• Providing guidance and support to parents and pupils on the practical aspects of the transition, such as uniform requirements, travel arrangements, and extracurricular activities.

By working in partnership with our families and local secondary schools, we aim to ensure that the transition to secondary education is a positive and exciting experience for all our pupils.

If you have any further questions or require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact our school office, and our dedicated team will be happy to assist you.