‘The festival was an amazing idea. I had spent Year 6 worrying about going to high school but the transition festival took my worries away and made me feel excited about starting Year 7. It really worked for me. I was ready and excited to start learning in September.’
Yannick, Yr7
98% of families said that our transition festival is a worthwhile and purposeful event
Seamless and Supportive Transitions: The Brigshaw Way
At Brigshaw Learning Partnership, we believe that an outstanding education starts with a confident, happy transition. Our carefully designed transition programme is widely recognised as one of the best in the region - ensuring every child feels supported, prepared, and excited for the journey ahead.
Transition isn’t just a day - it’s a journey.
We start this journey early, building confidence and familiarity from Year 4 onwards. Pupils from across our partnership take part in a series of inspiring curriculum experiences at Brigshaw High School throughout Years 4, 5, and 6. These opportunities help children build relationships with key staff and get to know the school well before they arrive, making the leap to secondary feel natural and exciting.
We know that successful transitions matter for families too.
That’s why we offer parent events, information sessions, and personalised support - especially for those who might feel nervous about the move to secondary. Our partnership with families is at the heart of our approach, helping everyone feel part of the Brigshaw community from day one.
Our results speak for themselves:
Pupils tell us the festival “took my worries away and made me feel excited about starting Year 7.”
Parents have seen their children go from anxious to independent, ready to walk into school with confidence and join new clubs and activities.
Our joined-up approach means pupils who join Brigshaw High School from our primaries settle quickly, thrive academically, and form strong, supportive friendships.
98% of families said that our transition festival is a worthwhile and purposeful event
'Brilliant idea, my son doesn't like change so this was a really positive experience for him. He can now enjoy the summer holidays without worrying about starting a new school. It has eased the stress for us parents too. Thank you!'
Year 6 parent
98% of families said that our transition festival is a worthwhile and purposeful event
The transition from primary to secondary is a key milestone in any child and family’s life; for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) it is even more critical. It involves a planned, collaborative approach, focusing on building confidence and reducing anxiety. This incorporates several opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with the new environment, people and routines through additional transition visits in addition to our transition festival; transition booklets and maps can be also provided to further aid familiarisation if required.
To ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, our SENDCO works closely and collaboratively with parents, primary SENDCOs and key professionals to share vital information about your child's needs, strengths and effective strategies; this can be as early as year 5.
Transition reviews for Year 6 students are held, where possible, in the Spring term of Year 6. Our SENDCO attends these meetings and any other relevant information-sharing meetings e.g., Annual Reviews. Information shared by primary staff and parents assists us to quickly apply effective teaching strategies at a universal level during high quality teaching, and, when required, at a more targeted level. If necessary, additional bespoke transition arrangements may be made at these reviews.
Additional support does not cease on transition to high school provision and remains available e.g., daily meet and greet, key workers, break and lunch time clubs and peer support. Students will also be encouraged and supported to join extra-curricular clubs to further increase a sense of belonging.
Our aim is for all students to transition to Brigshaw feeling supported, confident and prepared as they start their secondary school journey.
98% of families said that our transition festival is a worthwhile and purposeful event
‘It was great to meet lots of teachers. Brigshaw pupils showed us around the school so I wasn't worried about getting lost in September.'
Matilda and Emma, Yr7
