Transition into St Mary’s
‘Transition arrangements with feeder schools are excellent; every child is visited by a member of the pastoral support team before they join St Mary’s’ – Ofsted
Transfer into Year 7 from primary school takes place at 11 years of age. The standard admission number for the School is 240. All admissions to the School are made in accordance with the Governors policy for admissions agreed with the Diocese of St Albans and the Local Authority.
Please click below to download the following transition documents:
For information about admissions into year groups other than Year 7, (including into Year 7 after September of the academic year) please CLICK HERE
The Transition Programme
The transition programme for students joining St Mary’s runs for over a year and aims to provide opportunities for new students to become familiar with the building, staff and other students as well as the standards and expectations of the school. Our Transition Programme for students joining Year 7 in September 2020 is outlined below:
Welcome Video: Monday 8th March 2021
To launch our Transition Programme we release a Welcome Video on the school website. This provides an opportunity for new students to become familiar with key staff, the school building and what to expect when the arrive at St Mary’s.
We also release a Parent/Carer Booklet sharing all the key information you need to know about the school, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. In addition, there will be a letter to all families allocated a place at St Mary’s from the Head Teacher, giving details of the transition programme.
If you have not had the chance to visit St Marys, our Online Open Evening can still be accessed here. This will give you a great insight into what we have to offer at St Marys.
Primary School Visits: April – June 2021
Every student transitioning to St Mary’s in September 2021 will be visited in their own primary school by a member of St Mary’s Transition Team. This is a demonstration of our commitment to knowing every child well by the time they join our school. This is an opportunity for students to share their aspirations and other information about themselves as well as for St Mary’s staff to meet with Year 6 teachers.
New Year 7 Targeted Parent / Carer Meetings : May – July 2021
These meetings will take place for any parent/carer whose child has special needs or if there is any additional support that is needed to support transition.
New Year 7 Parent / Carer Information Evening: Tuesday 22nd June 2021 6.00 – 7.00pm
All parents/carers of the new Year 7 cohort are invited to a presentation about the curriculum provision that will be delivered to students. Staff will provide information about how to support students with their learning and how to actively promote excellent study habits as they start secondary school. In addition, there will be an opportunity to complete the admission administration such as providing the school with emergency contact, medical or dietary information as well as to book appointments with our uniform suppliers.
New Year 7 Transition Day: Thursday 8th July
The new Year 7 Students will spend the day at St Mary’s to start to familiarise themselves with the buildings, the routines for using the dining room and facilities, to get used to moving about the School, as well as spending time with their tutor team and other staff. Students will take some very basic tests and experience some taster lessons so that they feel more confident about what to expect when they join the School formally in September.
New Year 7 Term Starts (Year 7 only): Friday 3rd September 2021 8.25am
We start the academic year with the school only being open to Year 7 students. This ensures that we can give Year 7 the support needed to meet our high expectations and have a really positive beginning to their time at St Mary’s.
