Transition

Key elements of the transition process:

• At Shaftesbury we aim for staff to attend relevant Year 6 annual reviews.

• Transition meetings are held with teachers from primary schools.

• We aim to arrange visits to all students in their current school and have conversations with students and teachers.

• There are opportunities for prospective students to visit with parents & carers and be shown around the school.

• Information about transition timescales is sent to primary schools.

• Arranging visits to Shaftesbury High School for students prior to the High School Day. Students will have the opportunity to see the Year 7 classrooms, attend an assembly and get to know the school and staff.

• Some students may require individually tailored programs for transition. This is arranged on an individual basis.

• Annual reviews of Looked After Children and students with complex needs are attended where necessary.

• New Year 7 students attend a High School Day in July. Students will spend a full day at Shaftesbury and participate in a number of activities.

• Discussions around expectations for behaviour, equipment and uniform 

• Parents are invited to meet with the Senior Leadership Team prior to their children starting at Shaftesbury High School.

• Information on our new students is transferred to Shaftesbury electronically. In addition, pen portrait information is gathered by Year 7 tutors and shared with all staff at the beginning of the new school year.

To ensure effective transition and induction, Shaftesbury High School has an extensive transition programme. Transition programmes are in place for every tutor group and take place throughout the year. We would like every Year 7 student to have a successful journey through our school, from their first visit to their final day and beyond. We plan and collaborate with our feeder schools and 16-25 partners, including work providers. Information, advice and guidance is shared through a variety of mediums. We have positive and active alumni. A member of the leadership team works with a Key Stage Coordinator arranging the transition. 

• Students will visit Shaftesbury for a tour with parents / carers individually.

• Shaftesbury staff will make an individual visit to a student's current school.

• Depending on the needs of individual student, a reduced timetable/phased start may be introduced for a gradual transition into the school.

• EHCP information and report for new students will be transferred from a student's previous school.

• Parent support from Shaftesbury’s Family Liaison Advisor is available.

• Progress is monitored through tracking systems in school.

Please see our admissions policy