Year 6 to Year 7 Transition

We know that the transition from primary school to secondary school is one of the biggest changes you will have experienced. We also know that it is one of the most exciting changes that you will make.

We always look forward to welcoming our new Year 7s, and we’ll be providing some resources on this page to help with your transition to Ridgeway Academy.

The first day of term for our new Year 7 community will be 3rd September 2025. Keep an eye on our website for more details about the arrangements for this day.

“I highly recommend Ridgeway Academy for anyone considering the school for their child.

As parents of a Year 7 student, we’ve been thoroughly impressed with the exceptional support from the staff throughout our first term. Every time we’ve reached out with a question or concern, we’ve received prompt and reassuring responses. The teachers go above and beyond by consistently checking in with our daughter, offering her the necessary support and comfort. We feel confident that any issues will be addressed quickly and with care by all members of staff. Most importantly, our daughter feels well supported and truly valued by everyone at the school.

Ridgeway Academy has created a positive and nurturing environment, making the transition from primary to secondary school seamless and stress-free. We couldn’t be happier with our choice!”
Parent

“My child commenced their journey at Ridgeway Academy in September 2024, following initial concerns that mainstream schooling might not be an option due to their autism and extreme anxiety. However, Mrs Mills (SENCO) and Mr Gallagher (Transition Lead) took proactive measures by engaging in comprehensive meetings with me prior to their start date, ensuring a bespoke plan was created to cater to my child’s individual needs. From the very first day, the commitment of the entire school community, from the reception staff to the Headteacher, Head of Year, Form Tutor, SENCO department, and all teachers, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their unwavering support has enabled my child to attend school confidently and achieve remarkable progress thus far. The exceptional communication between staff and myself has made all the difference, reflecting a shared determination to foster a nurturing educational environment. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved at Ridgeway Academy for their remarkable dedication and commitment.”
Parent

Term Dates

Please click here for Ridgeway Academy term dates 2024 – 2025

The Transition Team

We have a dedicated transition team who will work with you, your families and your primary schools to get ready for you starting in September. The team comprises:

Miss H Jenner
SLT Link for Year 7 / Transition Lead

Mrs Mills
SENDCo

Mrs Airey
Student Liaison Officer

The Transition Team can be contacted using the following email address: year6into7@ridgeway.aetrust.uk

Our Transition Programme

Our transition programme consists of a range of opportunities for students, staff and parents to come together.

Our transition team will visit primary schools to gather information to assistant students with their transition to secondary school.
Parents/carers complete an online enrolment and induction process.
Students attend a transition day to help them to settle in to our school and meet Form Tutors and some subject staff.
Year 6 students and their parents will meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team where we will be able to gather some important information about your child as well as answering any questions you may have for us.
Year 6 students have the opportunity to attend our Summer School to help them settle in to Ridgeway Academy meeting other Year 7 students.

Induction Evening for Parents/Carers

New Year 7 Induction Evening takes place on Monday 7th July 2025. More details to follow shorlty. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Mrs Airey at year6into7@ridgeway.aetrust.uk.

The School Day

Please click here to view school day arrangements.

Curriculum

Year 7 students will have the opportunity to study a variety of subjects.

We invite our new students to visit Ridgeway Academy before joining. Do not hesitate to contact the Year 6 to Year 7 email address above or one of the transition team to do so. We look forward to receiving your email.

What will Year 7 students study?

During their journey at Ridgeway Academy, students will have the opportunity to study the following subjects:

English
Maths
Science
Geography
History
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Art
Drama
Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish)
Music
PE
Philosophy & Ethics (Religious Studies)
Personal Development

Please click here to view our curriculum page.

Advice from our current Year 7s

Our fantastic current Year 7 students have provided loads of advice to help you to settle into life at Ridgeway Academy. Take a look at their advice to help you with your first few weeks in your new school.

We asked our new Year 7 students the following questions:

School Uniform / Equipment

As September approaches, thoughts will turn into buying school uniform / equipment ready for the start of the new academic year.

Please click here to see our uniform / equipment standards.

Year 6 to Year 7 Summer School

We are, again, very excited to offer students who are joining us in September a place at our Summer School 2025 (26th to 28th August) more details to follow. The aim of the Summer School is to help the students become familiar with their new school environment, learn new skills and have a flying start to Year 7. The daily programme, led by Ridgeway Academy staff, includes team-building, problem-solving, designing and making, and enterprise activities.

To get a flavour of what our Summer School is like, here is what some of those who attended last year’s Summer School had to say:

Summer School is amazing. It has really prepared my daughter for transitioning to secondary school. There are many fun activities that I really enjoyed. I’ve made new friends throughout summer school. I also have explored the school more.

Summer school is a great way to learn and have fun at the same time. It also improves your learning and equips you with many skills such as teamwork and being more sociable with people you have never met. So far, my experience at Summer school has been exceptional as we have made ever lasting memories.

Having the best week at Summer School! Teachers and students are kind and nice. It has made me aware of where to go and now I now know that I am fully part of the Ridgeway community.

Year 7 Transition Celebration

At the end of Year 7 Ridgeway Academy has a Transition Celebration morning which was remarkable event run for the first time this year. Students had the opportunity to share their achievements with their previous primary school teachers, Headteachers and families. Feedback from parents encapsulates a shared sentiment of pride and optimism regarding their children’s journey into secondary education.

The event featured captivating presentations from each form group, showcasing the students’ resilience, creativity, and academic accomplishments. Through these experiences, students are developing problem-solving and leadership skills and embodying the school values of respect, responsibility, and relationships.

Parents have expressed immense appreciation for the school’s commitment to fostering a safe and encouraging environment where positive behaviour is recognised and rewarded. The effective reward point system has been highlighted for motivating students to aspire towards excellence and reinforcing the school’s core values, which undoubtedly assist in shaping their decision-making skills. One parent noted how their child has emerged as a leader, actively embodying these values within the school community.

For more information on this event, please follow our link to Ridgeway newsletter for the full article HERE

Key dates

Some Key Dates you need to know:

You may find the Year 7 Transition Workshop with Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield School Partnership from 2024 useful – Please click here to view the Transition Workshop.

Further information on transition for our new Year 7s’ will be released soon. Please do check back for updates.

Miss Jenner
Transition Lead

Other Important Information

Blended Learning – Please click here to view

Careers – Please click here to view

Mobile Phone Policy – Please click here to view

Pastoral Support – Please click here to view

Parent Handbook- Please click here to view

School Policies – Please click here to view

Young Carers – Please click here to view

WisePay – Please click here to view

Breakfast Club – Runs daily 7.55am to 8.25am in the Sixth Form centre.

Useful Links to Support Parents with the Transition to Secondary Education

BBC Bitesize – Please click here to view

Young Minds – Supporting School Transition – Please click here to view

Young Minds – Find Your Feet Video – Please click here to view

Young Minds – Top Ten Tips for Parents – Please click here to view

Young Minds – Find Your Feet Parent Session Video – Please click here to view

Year 6 into Year 7 Summer Reading list – Please click here to view

Welwyn Hatfield Schools Partnership – Parent Course

Who is in Charge? Free 8 Week Course for Parents / Carers

Hertfordshire Music Service

Music Lessons Information