Year 6 Transition

Welcome to our Year 6 Transition page, where you can access resources and information about the transition from primary to secondary school. We recognise that the move from primary school to secondary school is a big one – often for parents and carers as much as for the students! Our extensive transition programme allows us to make the process a positive and exciting experience for our students.

Each year at Phoenix Academy, we have worked to tailor and refine our transition programme to ensure a supportive transition for every child that joins us. Students who are offered a place at Phoenix will be invited to attend transition events during the summer term. These days give pupils the opportunity to explore our outstanding curriculum, get to know our highly skilled teaching staff, and build confidence before starting in September. At the beginning of the autumn term, Year 7 students take part in dedicated induction days, including tailored lessons and assemblies designed to help them understand how to succeed at Phoenix. Through strong partnerships with primary schools locally and further afield, we are able to support a smooth and well-planned transition, enabling new Year 7 students to settle quickly and feel comfortable in their new environment.

Phoenix Academy Prospectus 

Why Choose Phoenix Academy?

We recognise that, as a parent, choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions we make. We need to ensure that we select the right school because we are entrusting our children into its care for the next 5 to 7 years. At Phoenix Academy, we are committed to working with parents to ensure we can offer the best possible school for your children.

Phoenix is a school characterised by high academic standards, robust pastoral care and a co-curricular programme that is second-to-none. Students here benefit from teaching by subject specialists who are superbly well-qualified to teach and inspire their students to love learning as much as they do. Students are known for the individuals they are and are supported here by a range of people in the pastoral team, including their tutors, Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Leaders. Phoenix  has designated staff who work closely with children and families to support the transition to secondary school and ensure all students feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

One of the defining features of a Phoenix Academy education is the breadth of opportunities we offer our students through our co-curricular programme and, with scores of clubs and societies on offer to them, there are numerous ways for students to develop their resilience and confidence, their ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

All in all, we aim to deliver the transformative education every one of our students deserve – an education that will lead to success while they are with us and long after they have left us.

What Does it Mean to Be Part of Future Academies?

Future Academies was established to improve the life chances of children through an education that is built on the importance of knowledge-rich teaching by subject experts and of raising the aspirations of all. Our family of schools has built a reputation of achieving the highest standards for all out students.

At Future we want children to leave school with the capabilities to lead a life of choice, opportunity having achieved Libertas Per Cultum. To make this happen, we know children need both academic achievement and strength of character. Underpinning both achievement and character in schools is the work of everyone in our organisation creating and culturing an inclusive community for all learners.

The name ‘Future’ is important to us because the education we provide today is to ensure all our children can achieve the best in their future lives. We are an inclusive community where all children are welcomed and challenged to be the best they can be. With the support of our sponsors, Future, we are able to engage with the best teachers, the best universities and a wide range of the most prominent employers in the country to ensure that all children are equipped with the knowledge and desire to be the best in whatever path they wish to follow in their futures.

Our Guiding Principles

Curriculum

We are unashamedly ambitious in our curriculum offer. We believe that children from all backgrounds are entitled to learn and know the very best that has been thought and said. 

Our knowledge-rich curriculum is carefully planned to give every child a strong foundation in their core subjects, while also providing a rich and varied experience across the wider curriculum. We want every child to leave each lesson with new understanding, growing confidence and the skills to succeed.

Find out more about our curriculum here.

Enrichment Opportunities

 At Phoenix Academy, we believe that learning goes beyond the classroom. Educational Enrichment is a core part of what we offer and plays a central role in how we provide students with the knowledge and skills to thrive – whatever their background.

Find out more about Education Enrichment here and our Careers Education here.

Pastoral Care

 At Phoenix, we know that students flourish when they feel safe, known, and valued. Our pastoral framework is designed to wrap around every young person, so they arrive ready to learn and leave equipped to thrive.

High Standards, Safe Environment

We set high expectations for behaviour, attendance, and participation because we know what it takes to achieve at the highest level. These standards create the calm, purposeful environment that allows students to focus on their learning.

A Whole School Approach to Support

Year Team	Support from a dedicated Year Team consisting of a Head of Year and a Pastoral Support Manager, both dedicated to monitoring student progress and wellbeing.
Restorative Focus	When issues arise, we focus on reflection and repair, helping students understand impact and rebuild relationships.
Parental Partnerships	Regular check‑ins, VIP mornings, and a “no‑surprises” approach to communication keeps families in the loop.

 

Daily Tutor Time

• 30 minutes every morning for shared reading and tutor announcements.
• Students meet in small, year-group tutor groups.
• Students learn to support each other, work together, and develop skills that will enhance their academic success.

Exceptional Inclusion Provision

At Phoenix Academy, we offer excellent provision for students with Special Educational Needs, through the support of the Inclusion Department, and we are proud to have some of the best and most innovative inclusion practices in the country.

• Specialist staff across the needs spectrum.
• Close work with outside agencies (CAHMS, Social Care etc) to ensure seamless support.
• Language & Communication Centre.
• Trained therapists.

Wellbeing & Character Development

Pastoral care is threaded through every experience at Phoenix Academy:

• PSHE curriculum covering a variety of issues that affect young people, including relationships, mental health, finances and more.
• Enrichment programmes (sports, arts, clubs, volunteering) to nurture interests and friendships.

 

Who's Who 

 

 

Useful Links

 How to Apply

Year 6 - 7 Applications

The deadline for Year 7 admissions for September 2026 entry has now passed. For more information about the application process and late admissions, please visit the Hammersmith & Fulham secondary school admissions page.

 

In-Year Admissions

If your child is currently of secondary school age and you would like to apply for a place at Phoenix Academy, please complete the application form on Hammersmith & Fulham admissions here to join our waiting list.

 

Appeals

If you have not been offered a place following an in-year application, the law entitles you to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. For more information or to submit an appeal for in-year admissions, click here.

 

 Term Dates

Please click here to see our term dates.

Wellbeing and Advice

1. Clinicians at the Anna Freud Centre have developed 7 ways to support children and young people feeling fear and worry, especially at a time of change.

Seven ways to support children and young people who are worried | Anna Freud

2. Save the Children have produced a useful guide to understanding the difference between normal nerves and when this might be closer to anxiety and what you can do as parents to support.

School Anxiety: 5 Ways to Help Children With Back to School Worries (Updated 2025)

3. BBC Bitesize have put together a page that supports parents who have children starting secondary school this year.

Starting secondary school - BBC Parents' Toolkit - BBC Bitesize

4. Young Minds have produced a video giving practical tools for supporting transition to secondary school and supporting young people’s mental health.

Supporting school transitions | Resources | YoungMinds

5. The Spark have two helpful Blog posts that support both parents and students embarking on the new journey of transition to Secondary school.

Starting Secondary School: A Guide for Parents - The Spark

Starting Secondary School: Tips for Young People - The Spark