“Welcome to The Radclyffe School! We are delighted to have you join our community and become part of a school that values ambition, respect, and success for every student.”
“Starting somewhere new can feel both exciting and a little daunting, but here you will find supportive teachers, friendly peers, and many opportunities to discover your talents and interests. We look forward to seeing you grow in confidence, achieve your goals, and make lasting memories during your time with us.”
– A message from Miss Whybrow, Associate Assistant Head: Transition
Transition Events
New Year 7 Starters – Transition Question and Answer Evening
In order to help answer any questions or concerns that you may have, we hold an online question and answer evening which usually takes place early in March. This is an ideal time for you to be able to speak to us and ask us anything which you may wish to know about the transition process.
New Parents’ Evening
Parents, carers and students are invited to attend a New Parents’ Evening before Induction Day.
At the event, you will hear from the Headteacher and senior staff, meet your child’s Year Manager and Personal Learning Guide, receive important information about starting secondary school, and have the opportunity to speak with our uniform and footwear suppliers. This evening is designed to help parents, carers and students feel informed, prepared and confident about the transition to secondary school, while also giving students the chance to meet key members of staff who will support them and work with them on a daily basis from September.
New Parents’ Evening 2026 will take place on Tuesday 23rd June from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Induction Day
All new Year 7 students are invited to attend our Induction Day during the summer term of Year 6.
During the day, students will tour the school building, meet key staff including their Year Manager and Personal Learning Guide (PLG), learn about daily routines and expectations, and spend time with other students in their tutor group. Induction Day gives students the chance to become familiar with the school environment and begin building friendships before starting in September. They will also have the opportunity to meet some of their teachers and take part in sample lessons, helping them to feel excited about the learning and opportunities that secondary school will offer.
Induction Day will take place on Thursday 2nd July 2026 from 08:30am to 2:50pm.
Transition Visits and Activities
We host a range of transition activities designed to help Year 6 pupils begin to feel part of The Radclyffe School community. These may include events such as Primary Sports Day, Primary Maths Day, and a matinee performance of our school production. Invitations are shared with local primary schools, giving many pupils the opportunity to visit the school, meet staff and students, and experience some of the activities and opportunities available before they start in September.
These events usually take place in June, July and September.
Transition Reading Project
Reading is a fundamental skill that unlocks all other learning. At The Radclyffe School, we place a strong emphasis on developing children’s reading ability and wider literacy skills so they can fully access and succeed in our curriculum. As part of the transition process, every student will receive a copy of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ along with a Transition Reading Booklet. Click here for more information about The Odyssey Transition Reading Project.
Year 7 Team Building Activity Day
In September 2026, all Year 7 students will take part in a team-building day at Linnet Clough Scout Camp & Activity Centre. Set within 40 acres of woodland and open countryside on the edge of the Peak District, Linnet Clough provides an exciting outdoor environment where students can take part in a range of adventurous activities designed to build teamwork, confidence and resilience.
Activities may include challenges such as climbing, archery, bushcraft and problem-solving tasks, all led by experienced instructors. The day is a fantastic opportunity for our new Year 7 students to get to know one another, work together in their Personal Learning Guide groups and begin building friendships as they start their journey at The Radclyffe School.
Further information and communication about the trip will be shared with parents and carers in due course.
The Activity Day in 2025 was held on Friday 26th September.
Transition Timeline
Our transition timeline provides an overview of the journey from application through to the start of Year 7 at The Radclyffe School, with key events and important dates clearly outlined.
Transition Timeline PDF
Communication
Our main method of communication with parents is email, so please ensure we have your most up-to-date contact details when completing the induction forms.
If you have any questions about transition, you can contact our team at:
transition@theradclyffeschool.co.uk
A copy of the recent letter regarding New Parents Evening and Induction Day can be found here.
New Parents' Coffee Morning Invite
Letter to New Parents
Further Information
We understand that starting secondary school can bring lots of questions for both students and parents. Our transition team is here to support you throughout the process. You can find answers to many commonly asked questions on our Frequently Asked Questions page, which covers topics such as preparing for the first day, school routines, and what to expect during the transition to Year 7.