Year 6 to Year 7 Transition
Welcome to Townsend Church of England School!
We are delighted that you will be joining our community in September. Our dedicated team is here to support you and your family as you make the exciting move from primary to secondary school.
We look forward to welcoming Year 7 students in September READY to learn, READY to lead, and READY to succeed.
Key Dates and Events
- Transition Day: Thursday 10th July, 8:45 am – 3:25 pm.
Year 6 pupils join us for a day of lessons and activities. Arrival is from 8.45 am and students should arrive through the main entrance, where there will be staff to meet them. They should wear their primary school uniform and either wear or bring trainers. - Summer School: Monday 18th – Wednesday 20th August 2025. We look forward to seeing those who have signed up.
- Year 7 Residential Trip: We are arranging a Year 7 residential trip in the summer term to PGL, Caythorpe Court. More information will be published in the coming week.
New Intake Evening Summary
Our New Intake Evenings were held on Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th June.
If you were unable to join us, please do take some time to look at the presentation from the evening and read the information summarised below.
This was the presentation from our Headteacher, Mr A Flack:
Key Information from the evening
iPads
- All Year 7 students will receive an iPad on Friday, 5th September 2025. Further details about payment will be sent in a separate letter.
Mobile Phones
- Students do not need a smartphone for school.
- If your child brings a phone for safety reasons, it must remain switched off and in their bag throughout the school day.
- Please support us with this by having a conversation with your child, and if you need to contact your child during the school day, please do so through the school office.
Townsend READY
Mrs Scott introduced our Townsend READY vision for student success:
- R – Resilient and Reflective – Respond positively to feedback, keep trying when things are hard, and learn from your mistakes.
- E – Engage fully – Listen carefully, stay involved in activities, and show interest in your learning.
- A – Arrive punctual and prepared – Be in the right place at the right time with everything you need to learn.
- D – Disciplined – Follow instructions first time, manage distractions, and keep focused on your goals.
- Y – You can do it! – Aim high, be confident in your abilities, and never give up on your potential.
School uniform
All students must have:
- School blazer
- School tie
- School PE top (all available from Stevensons)
Other items of uniform can be purchased from the shop of your choice. Please ensure they are school-standard items.
Our school uniform infographic can be found in your Year 7 booklet and on the school website (https://townsend.herts.sch.uk/uniform-equipment/)
Transport
Please ensure you and your child know how they will be getting to school and have a backup plan in case your usual method of transport is not available, in order to ensure children can still attend school.
If you require information or help on transport, please contact our admin team admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk
Cathedral Service
Our first Cathedral service is on Thursday 25th September at St Albans Cathedral. Students who do not travel home via the school buses (Motts and Barnetts) will need to make their own way home from the Cathedral at 3pm. If your child usually travels home on the Motts and Barnetts school buses they will be escorted by staff to Westminster Lodge car park where they will board the buses.
Our Transition Process
We understand that moving to secondary school is a big step. At Townsend we help by:
- Gathering information from Primary schools and we visit Primary schools where necessary.
- Offering 3 smaller intake evenings that are focused around the location where students live, for them to meet students who may be travelling to school on the same bus.
- Sharing our Townsend Transition booklet with all new students.
- Offering transition support for pupils with SEND or additional needs.
What to Expect on the First Day of Term
Start Time: Please arrive by 08:40 am. Staff will be available to greet and guide new pupils.
Uniform: Ensure your child is wearing the correct uniform as outlined in our uniform policy
Equipment: Pupils should bring:
- A school bag
- Pens, pencils, a ruler, and other basic stationery
- PE kit (if scheduled for the first day – check your welcome pack)
- A refillable water bottle
- Packed lunch or lunch money (if not eligible for Free School Meals)
Timetable: Pupils will receive their timetable and planner on their first day.
How You Can Help Your Child Prepare
- Discuss routines: Talk through what the day will look like, including travel arrangements, lunch plans, and after-school pick-up.
- Label belongings: Please ensure that all clothing and equipment are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
- Talk about your feelings: It’s normal for children to feel a little nervous. Reassure them that staff are here to help and that new friends are just as eager to settle in.
- Encourage independence: Practise skills like organising their bag, using a timetable, and remembering homework.
Key Contacts and Support
If you or your child have any questions or concerns, please contact us on 01727853047 , email admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk or speak with your child’s form tutor on the first day.
Our pastoral team and Year 7 transition coordinator are available to support families during the settling-in period.
Support for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND)
If your child has SEND needs, our SENCo will:
- Work closely with primary schools to gather information
- Arrange extra visits if needed
- Create a personalised transition plan
Our School SENCo is Miss Philpott and can be contactable by emailing – SEN217@townsend.herts.sch.uk
FAQs
What should I bring on the first day? Uniform, a packed lunch or lunch money, and a positive attitude!
Who can I talk to if I am worried? Your form tutor, head of year, and pastoral team are always here to help.
Useful Resources
Tips for Pupils
- Try to pack your bag the night before
- Ask questions if you are unsure
- Remember, everyone feels a bit nervous at first!
Tips for Parents/Carers
- Talk to your child about any worries
- Attend transition events if possible
- Contact us if you have any questions
