Transition
About our school
Our aim is to enable all students to lead a successful, active, happy and fulfilling school life. Our students know that if they show respect for each other and themselves, make the commitment to put in effort, have positive attitudes, and persevere when learning or situations challenge them, then they will reap the rewards of their efforts. We wish to provide every student with a sense of belonging and of being valued as an individual.
Sixth-form students play an active role in school life and the transition from Year 6 to 7 through the Student Leadership Team. Their duties range from supporting our open evenings to leading our popular student forum. They are excellent role-models for our younger students and play an active role in the transition process, from visiting primary schools to talk to Year 6 to supporting clubs and events in Year 7.
We are proud of the wide range of clubs and activities that we offer outside of the curriculum—from coding and debate to climate club and performing arts. We actively encourage all Year 7s to join lunchtime or afterschool clubs to add to their enjoyment of school, learn new skills and make new connections.
Enrolling at The Blandford School
Parents and carers need to apply through Dorset Council before the end of October, and families will hear about school place offers in March. We will send information about the transition process at The Blandford School shortly after this.
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/starting-secondary-or-upper-school
Preparing for secondary school
We work closely with our primary schools throughout Year 6 to help students become familiar, excited and reassured about The Blandford School before they start.
We hold a range of workshops throughout the year, some during the school day and others after school, giving Year 6 students the chance to meet staff, explore the site, and experience aspects of secondary school life. Look out for details of these events through our ongoing communication with the primary schools.
In June, our Head of Year 7 visits each primary school to talk to Year 6 students in their classroom about what to expect and to answer questions.
In July, our new students attend a Transition Day, where they meet their new tutor group and tutor. This is their first full day at The Blandford School during which they experience a range of subjects. Students go home with a photo of their new tutor group and lots of stories to tell. We also host a Transition Evening for parents and carers in July, providing information and answering any questions before the start of term.
We hold an additional Transition Day for students who are on their primary school Special Educational Needs register to ensure they are familiar with our site and key staff.
Staff at The Blandford School worked with staff from our local primary schools to produce this poster for Year 6 students:
If you need any further information, help or just want to ask us something, please feel free to get in touch: