Transition Days – Monday 6th July and Tuesday 7th July 2026
Welcome to Ash Hill Academy
We are delighted to welcome your child to Ash Hill Academy.
Joining secondary school is a significant and exciting milestone. At Ash Hill, we are proud to offer an experience that goes far beyond the classroom—combining strong academic outcomes with exceptional opportunities, world class facilities, and a culture where every child can succeed.
From day one, our focus is simple:
every student feels confident, supported, and ready to thrive.
Transition Days
We look forward to welcoming your child on:
- Monday 6th July 2026
- Tuesday 7th July 2026
- Time: 8:25am – 2:30pm
Selected students will also attend an enhanced transition day on Wednesday 8 July 2026.
During these days, students will:
- Experience a range of engaging lessons
- Meet teachers and new classmates
- Explore the academy site
- Take part in exciting enrichment activities
This is the first step in helping every child feel part of the Ash Hill community.
What Makes Ash Hill Academy Different
At Ash Hill Academy, we offer more than just lessons.
Life of a Student
Our Life of a Student programme ensures every child benefits from a rich, memorable school experience. This includes:
- Personal development opportunities
- Cultural experiences
- Character education
- Experiences that build confidence and aspiration
Over 100 Trips and Visits Each Year
We provide over 100 trips and visits annually across the academy, ensuring students experience learning beyond the classroom. From local visits to wider cultural opportunities, every student benefits.
World Class Facilities
Students learn in high quality, specialist environments, including:
- Modern IT suites
- Fully equipped catering kitchens
- Design and technology workshops
- Dedicated spaces for music, drama and art
- Extensive PE and sports facilities
Free Year 7 Uniform
We are proud to provide free uniform for all Year 7 students, ensuring every child starts on an equal footing and feels part of the academy from day one.
A Strong Start to Secondary School
We understand that transition can feel daunting. That is why we begin preparing early and provide structured, consistent support throughout.
Building Familiarity Early
During Years 5 and 6, students are invited to take part in a wide range of activities, including:
- Sporting competitions
- Bake Off events
- Creative workshops such as clay modelling
- CSI and problem solving activities
- Curriculum sessions, including French workshops
These experiences build confidence and help students feel at home before they even start.
Working with Primary Schools
Once your child has been offered a place, we work closely with their primary school to ensure a seamless transition.
We gather detailed information on:
- Academic progress
- Social and emotional development
- Individual strengths and areas for development
- Special educational needs and support strategies
By September, our Student Support Team, SENCo and Vice Principal for Inclusion already have a clear understanding of how best to support your child.
Assessment and Academic Placement
All students complete Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) during transition.
Alongside SATs and primary assessments, this enables us to:
- Identify strengths and potential
- Place students in the right academic sets from the start
- Provide appropriate challenge and support
Additional Visits and Transition Support
Throughout the Summer Term, students will have further opportunities to visit the academy. These visits:
- Build confidence and familiarity
- Allow students to meet key staff
- Provide opportunities to ask questions
Our Commitment
We continually refine our transition programme based on feedback from students and families.
Our aim is clear:
Every student starts Year 7 confident, happy, and ready to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child settle in?
Yes. Our staff provide strong support and students quickly build friendships and confidence.
What if they get lost?
Staff are always available to help. Students quickly become confident navigating the academy.
What if they are late to a lesson?
Being punctual is important. In the first few weeks, staff support students as they learn routines.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are one hour long, with some double lessons lasting two hours.
Break and Lunch
- Morning break: 15 minutes
- Lunch: 30 minutes
Breaks are staggered to ensure a calm environment.
Organisation
Students should bring:
- Planner
- Knowledge organiser
- Reading book
- Writing equipment
A suitable bag for A4 books and PE kit is essential.
Home Learning
Students complete around one hour per day, including:
- Knowledge organiser revision
- Sparx Maths / Sparx Science
- Reading for pleasure
Additional work may be set where appropriate.
Mobile Phones
Phones must be switched off and kept in bags throughout the school day. If used, they will be confiscated.
Food
We offer a wide range of hot and cold food daily. Packed lunches are welcome (no fizzy drinks or energy drinks).
Enrichment
A wide range of clubs run daily from 2:30pm – 3:30pm, ensuring there is something for every student.
Contact Us
If you require further information, please contact the academy:
- Mrs Wilkinson – Year 7 Learning Manager
- Mrs Quinn – Vice Principal