Transition Timeline and Activities

We run an extensive programme of exciting activities which support students through the Transition from Year 6 into Year 7. Our aim is to help you settle in quickly and feel comfortable and safe in your new surroundings.

YEAR 5 & 6 ACTIVITIES

We believe the journey to secondary school should be an exciting adventure. Our extensive transition programme begins in Year 5, working in partnership with local primary schools to ensure every child feels ready and welcome.

Through a vibrant mix of events held at Forest and locally, pupils get to meet our friendly staff, bond with older students, and experience the buzz of secondary school lessons firsthand. It’s the perfect way to build confidence and get a taste of life at Forest.

Highlights of our programme include:

  • Year 5 Headteacher roadshows
  • Masterclass and taster lessons
  • Football and athletic tournaments
  • Invite to annual school show
  • Family cookery days

 

PRIMARY SCHOOL VISITS

From the moment a place is accepted, we begin getting to know our new students. Our Transition Team and Inclusion Department visit primary schools to meet the children and collaborate with their Year 6 teachers. We also gather valuable insights from parents and carers. This helps us build a complete picture of each student, allowing us to tailor the transition process to their specific needs and provide additional support for the move into Year 7 wherever necessary.

INDUCTION DAY AND EVENING

On Wednesday 1 July 2026, we invite all Year 6 students joining the Forest family to attend our Induction Day. This is a key milestone in the transition process, giving students the chance to meet their Tutor, Head of Year, and other staff members.

The day is designed to give students a real taste of life at The Forest School. Upon arrival, plenty of staff and student mentors will be on hand to guide everyone in the right direction. Year 6 students will experience lessons with their new tutor group, with our student mentors available throughout the day to offer support.

In the evening, we invite parents and carers to join us for an Induction Evening. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your child’s tutor, speak with the Head of Year and Inclusion staff, and ask any questions you may have.

FOREST LAUNCHPAD SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS

Get Ready for Forest Launchpad 2026! In July, our new Y7’s get a head start on secondary school life with our fully funded activity days! We open our doors exclusively for our new starters to explore the school, meet the teachers, and make new friends before term begins. Setting them up for a successful “take off” in September.

What to expect:

  • Exclusive Access: Explore the site with no other year groups around.
  • Fun & Games: Enjoy exciting and interactive team-building activities
  • Expert Guides: Our amazing student mentors will be on hand to answer all your questions.

Parents and students alike tell us how much they love our Summer Activity Days, and we are counting down the days until we can welcome the Class of 2026!

2026 Dates: Thursday 23 July & Friday 24 July