At Christ the King we recognise and understand how tricky it can be to explain the next stage of education to a child, but also how daunting it can be as a parent/carer to prepare your child and yourself. As a result, we have created this section of our website which aims to help you as parents/carers find all the information you may need, but also some tips and advice to help prepare your child.

The key transition areas we are focusing on here are:

Entering School in EYFS

Your child starting school is a huge milestone in their life (and yours)! There is lots of new information to read and understand. We have planned a ‘New Parents Induction Evening’ virtual meeting to help answer most of your questions and queries.

The presentation was delivered by Miss Chamberlain, our EYFS Lead, on Wednesday 9th June. If you were unable to attend, or would like to see it again, then please watch here.

Due to government guidance we are sadly unable to hold the stay and play morning on Wednesday 30th June due to government guidance on COVID 19. We will still be able to hold our parent and child meetings in August so look forward to meeting you then.

Year 2 to Year 3

After year 2, the children move from the Infant site to the Junior site to continue their journey at Christ the King. For some children this can seem like a big change as they go from being the oldest in Key Stage 1 to the youngest in Key Stage 2.

Although they may be on a different site, it is important for the children to remember that we are all part of the same school and lots of things such as the behaviour expectations, uniform and ethos will remain the same as they are used to.

During the second half of the Pentecost term, we support the children in this transition and, where possible, ensure they have change to visit the junior site.

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, transition activities are restricted this year and we are unable to invite our year 2 families on site to find out more about life on the Junior site. Please see the recorded presentation below from the virtual transition meeting held on Monday 21st June:

Moving to Secondary School

As our time with the children in Year 6 draws to a close, we aim to prepare them for the next chapter in their lives – secondary school. At this point, it can be an exciting yet scary time for both them and you.

At Christ the King, our children generally move into one of two secondary schools – English Martyrs Catholic School or Castle Mead Academy. While we understand there will be a small minority of children who will attend other secondary schools, this page will focus on these two schools.

Some of the current Year 7 pupils have had their say and written some information which may help and reassure you:

Emma – introduces you to school life

Abbey – shares her Top 5 tips

Gabriella – a note of reassurance

Luca – explains clubs and extra-curricular activities

Morgan – tells you about older students

Thierry – talks about settling in

JJ – tells you about learning

Here is a collection of photos showing you what you have to look forward to during your time at English Martyrs.

If you would like more information, please visit the English Martyrs Year 6 page.

English Martyrs is the choice for many of our parents who wish their child to continue with their catholic education.

The head teacher of the school is Mr Carney, and the school motto is ‘May they all be one’. The school is committed to the development of each unique person and to serving the Common Good of all.

Here is English Martyrs’ school prospectus, which is a very good place to get an initial idea about the school.

To give you an idea of the school and its layout, here is a school tour video for you to watch:

Mr Hague, the Principal of Castle Mead Academy, has created a video welcoming all the new Year 7 pupils for the next academic year:

Here is the Castle Mead school prospectus, which is a very good place to get an initial idea about the school.

To give you an idea about the school and its layout, here is a school tour for you to watch:

Two of Castle Mead’s current Year 8 pupils have created a guide on how to excel and become the best version of you while you attend the school. It has some helpful hints and tips from children who have gone through the transition from primary to secondary school.

If you would like more information, please visit the Castle Mead Transition page.