Transition to Darland High School
Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone. At Darland High School, we are committed to making the move from Year 6 to Year 7 a positive, welcoming and well-supported experience for every pupil and their family.
We understand that moving to a larger school brings new opportunities, new routines and greater independence. It can also bring plenty of questions. Our transition programme is designed to help pupils feel confident, prepared and part of the Darland community from the very beginning.
This page is your central place for information about joining Darland. Here you will find key dates, information about admissions and transition events, uniform and equipment guidance, transition activities, support for pupils and families, and answers to frequently asked questions. At Darland, we believe that a strong start helps pupils thrive. We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 pupils and supporting them through this exciting next chapter.
Key Dates for Year 6 Families:
| Event | Date |
| Secondary School Applications Open | 1st September 2026 |
| Darland Open Evening | 23rd September 2026 |
| Secondary School Application Deadline | 31st October 2026 |
| National Offer Day | 1st March 2027 |
| Year 6 Transition Days | 24th and 25th June 2027 |
| New Parents and Carers Evening | 24th June 2027 |
| Darland Summer Challenge Return Date | First day of Autumn term |
| First Day for Year 7 Pupils | Wednesday 2nd September 2026 |
| Year 7 Information Evening | Thursday 15th October 2026 |
Open Evening and Your Transition Journey
Choosing the right secondary school is an important decision, and our Open Evening is the perfect opportunity to experience the warmth, energy and ambition of the Darland community. During the evening, you will be able to meet our staff and students, explore our classrooms and specialist facilities, and find out more about the exciting opportunities available to pupils as they begin their journey with us.
Our subject areas will be open throughout the evening, offering a range of activities and displays to give families a real flavour of learning at Darland. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear from the Headteacher, ask questions, and learn more about our curriculum, pastoral care, transition programme and wider school life.
At Darland, we are proud of our values of Courage, Honesty, Resilience, Respect and Kindness. These values shape everything we do and help us create a school where every child is known, supported and encouraged to achieve their very best.
We look forward to welcoming you to Darland High School and showing you what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
Date: 23rd September 2026
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Darland High School
Autumn Term
Choosing Your Secondary School
During the autumn term of Year 6, parents and carers apply for their child’s secondary school place through their home local authority.
Darland’s Open Evening gives prospective pupils and their families the opportunity to explore the school, meet staff and pupils, visit subject areas and experience what life at Darland is like.
It is a chance to ask questions, discover the opportunities available and see the welcoming community that makes Darland special.
Spring Term
Offers and Getting Ready
On National Offer Day, parents and carers are informed by their local authority which secondary school place has been offered to their child.
Once places have been confirmed, we begin working closely with our new Year 7 families. We will share important information, answer questions and make sure that pupils and parents feel prepared for the move to secondary school.
Families may also be invited to events and opportunities to find out more about school life, meet key staff and begin getting to know Darland before September.
Summer Term
Getting to Know You
During the summer term, our transition team works closely with primary schools to ensure that we know every pupil well before they join us.
We speak with Year 6 teachers about pupils’ strengths, friendships and any support that may help them settle successfully. This means that staff can put the right arrangements in place from the very beginning.
Our Year 6 Transition Day gives pupils the opportunity to spend 2 full days at Darland. They will meet staff and peer mentors, spend time with their new form group, follow a sample timetable, take part in lessons and become familiar with the school site.
Pupils will also receive information about their form tutor, school routines, organisation, travel, lunch arrangements and the exciting opportunities available to them in Year 7.
Parents and carers will be invited to a New Parents and Carers Evening, where they can meet key members of staff and find out more about the practical arrangements for September.
Meet the Year 7 Team
These are the People Who Will Help You Settle In
Starting a new school is much easier when you recognise a few friendly faces.
At Darland, there are lots of people ready to help you during your move to Year 7. Your form tutor, teachers, pastoral team, learning support staff and peer mentors will all be there to help you feel safe, settled and confident.
No question is too small, and no one is expected to know everything straight away.
Miss Hatch
Headteacher
“I am delighted that you are considering Darland High School. We are proud of our friendly community, where pupils are supported to be ambitious, kind and confident.”
Miss Roberts and Mrs Clark
Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year 7
“Our role is to make sure that every Year 7 pupil settles happily into school life. We are looking forward to meeting you and helping you make a brilliant start at Darland.”
Mrs Garratt
Transition Lead
“I work closely with primary schools, pupils and families to make the move to Darland as smooth as possible. Please get in touch if there is anything we can do to help.”
Darland Peer Mentors
Older pupils who are here to help
“Our peer mentors are friendly older pupils who help new Year 7 pupils during transition events and in the first few weeks of school. They remember what it felt like to start secondary school and are always happy to help.”
Darland Transition Information Booklet
What is a Typical Day ar Darland?
At secondary school, pupils move between lessons and are taught by different teachers. At first, this may sound like a lot to remember, but your timetable, form tutor and teachers will help you get used to the routine very quickly.
A typical day will include:
- Morning arrival and registration
- Lessons in different subject areas
- Breaktime
- Lunchtime
- Tutor time
- Homework and organisation reminders
- Clubs, activities or catch-up support where needed
You will be given a timetable and shown how to use it. You will also be supported to understand where your lessons are and what equipment you need.
The School Day
| Time | What Happens |
| Morning | Arrive, registration and tutor time, Lessons |
| Lessons | Learn in a range of subjects |
| Break | Time to eat, drink, relax and see friends |
| More lessons | Move around school with your timetable |
| Lunch | Packed lunch or school meals |
| Afternoon | Lessons, clubs or home time |
Your First Day at Darland
The First Day
The first day of secondary school is a big moment, and our priority is to make it feel calm, organised and welcoming – we really can’t wait to meet you!
Year 7 pupils will arrive at Reception and will be welcomed by staff and peer mentors. They will begin the day together, meeting with your form tutor and going through the important routines that will help you feel confident during at your new school.
Pupils will have time to find their way around the school, meet your teachers, understand your timetable and get used to break and lunchtime arrangements.
There will always be adults and older pupils nearby to help you? If you are confused please just ask! No one is expected to know everything straight away.
A few weeks into the term, parents and carers will be invited to a Year 7 Information Evening. This is an opportunity to meet key staff, hear how pupils are settling in and ask any questions about routines, homework and online systems.
Getting Ready for Year 7 – Uniform and Equipment
Pupils should bring:
- School bag
- Pencil case
- Pens, pencils, ruler, rubber and sharpener
- Water bottle
- Reading book, where required
- PE kit on the correct days
- Packed lunch or prepay to access school meals on ParentPay
- Any required medication
- Completed Darland Summer Challenge booklet
Mobile Phones and Personal Belongings
Please ensure that pupils understand the school’s expectations around mobile phones before September.
Pupils should only bring valuables to school when necessary. All belongings, including uniform, PE kit and water bottles, should be clearly labelled.
The Darland Summer Challenege – Get Ready To Learn With Us
Take on the Darland Summer Challenge!
Over the summer, new Year 7 pupils are invited to complete the Darland Summer Challenge.
The challenge includes enjoyable activities from a range of subjects, helping pupils to explore their interests, develop confidence and arrive in September ready to get involved.
Bring your completed booklet back to school in September to earn achievement points. There will also be prizes for some of the most creative, thoughtful and impressive entries.
The Booklet to complete is below. Extension/ more informatio is available underneath and via the QR codes on your booklet.
You do not need to complete every activity. Have a go, enjoy yourself and show us what you can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child know anyone in their form group?
We work carefully with primary schools when organising form groups. We aim to ensure that pupils have familiar faces around them while also giving them opportunities to make new friends.
What happens if my child is worried about starting secondary school?
This is completely normal. Please let us know. We can offer reassurance, answer questions and make sure that the right support is in place before September.
What should my child bring on their first day?
Pupils should bring their school bag, pencil case, water bottle, timetable, any required medication and either a packed lunch or access to school meals. Full details will be shared before September.
What happens if my child gets lost?
There will be staff, peer mentors and older pupils around the site to help. It is completely fine to ask for directions.
Will pupils get homework straight away?
Pupils will be introduced gradually to homework routines and online systems. Staff will make sure they understand what is expected and where to get help.
Can my child bring a packed lunch?
Yes. Pupils may bring a packed lunch or use the school meal service. Further details will be shared before the start of term.
What happens if my child misses the bus or is unsure where to go at the end of the day?
Pupils should speak to a member of staff straight away. We will make sure they are safe and help them contact home where needed.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
Please contact the school office or the Transition Team. We are always happy to help.