Moving on to Secondary School

At Rhyl Primary we are proud of every child who steps into our school and we ensure that every child in our care reaches their potential. Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a big 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.

We start preparing the children in Year 5 – 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 research, how to evaluate their work and to identify the next steps in their learning journey. This helps them to prepare for the greater demands for independent learning and juggling their time that secondary school makes. Children in Years 5 and 6 are encouraged to apply for leadership roles across the school, such as anti-bullying champions, reading champions and sports champions. These roles give them a sense of independence and responsibility thus preparing them for their time in secondary school.

We support all families with their application to secondary school; this starts right at the beginning of the autumn term of a child’s final year at primary school. We host our own Open Morning, which most of the borough’s secondary schools attend, so parents and carers can get any information or ask questions. Our schools Transition Co-ordinator also hosts a morning explaining how the process of applying for secondary schools works, and holds various drop-in mornings to help any parents complete their online application. If your child has an EHCP our SENDCo will support you in your application.

Parents and carers will also receive information from the Local Authority explaining how arrangements for secondary transfer are managed and details of the secondary schools available. The secondary schools in Camden have various open afternoons and evenings’ so that children and parents can tour the school, meet staff and students. Selecting the right secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent makes for their child and so all parents are encouraged to visit more than one school so that an informed decision can be made.

Meet the Parents also hosts informal forums for parents to find out more about their local secondary schools. Please click the image below.

Applying for a place

Applications for September 2022 close on Sunday 31 October 2021. All applications are made online, even if you are applying for a school in another borough. You will be notified of your child’s result by email on Tuesday 1 March 2022, after 5pm.

Important things to remember when applying

You can apply for up to six different schools. You must rank the schools in order of preference. The first school should be the one you would most like your child to go to.

We advise that you use all six preferences and enter your catchment school as one of your preferences. If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools. You can use the link below to find out the distance from your home to your chosen school.

Top Tips – to help your child be ready for secondary school

Making the change from primary to secondary school can be a daunting time, both for your child and you. This guide is for you as a parent to read and share with your child to help you both prepare for the transition.

Practical Tips

Practise how they will get to school, buses, walking, alternative routes and problem solving e.g. what to do if they miss the bus.
Apply for an Oyster zip card online.
Practise road safety and encourage independent skills when out with you so you can be reassured they know how to be safe – for example acceptable boundaries.
Establish an honest an open relationship with school – if you or your child has any concerns contact your child’s new school or current primary school so that issues can be addressed.
Although secondary school is different to primary school, your school still cares for your child; if anything concerns you, please contact them. Schools have an open door policy right the way through to Year 11.
Ensure uniform is correct and appropriate including footwear and hairstyles. If you have any questions or issues with regards to cost, please contact your child’s school.
Attend the Parent Induction Evening. This will tell you everything you need to know about your child starting at the school and how things work, it will also help you and the new teachers get to know each other.
Read the school’s prospectus including the phone and attendance policy.
Help your child take responsibility for their belongings before they start at secondary school.
Help your child facilitate their homework and contact the school if it is too difficult.
Set up your lunch payment account. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, find out how it works and what provision is available. Talk through the choices with your child.
Your child will receive a planner – ensure you are familiar with the contents and check it regularly.
Ensure children conduct themselves safely online and encourage them to concentrate on developing their friendships face to face and resolving differences respectfully.
Ensure your child has access to their emergency medication and that school have the correct documentation with regards to their health needs.