Information for prospective Year 7 students, parents and carers

The transition between primary and secondary school is an incredibly important time for families, and we hope we can help to answer some of the questions that might arise before you join us in September. 

If you have any further questions, please send them over to transition@littleheath.org.uk

What to expect...

Your Local Authority (LA) is responsible for the Secondary School application process which closes on 31 October each year. Places are allocated on 1 March and the LA will contact you in the first instance to let you know the place you have been given. If you have received notification for a place at Little Heath School this September, welcome! Please ensure you confirm your place with the LA. Both West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council's deadline is 15 March 2025.

For more information on the secondary school application process, please view the LA application pages below:

West Berkshire Council - Secondary School Admissions

Reading Borough Council - Secondary School Admissions

Admissions Process

Once we have received your details from your LA, you will receive a welcome email from us with details of the next steps and how to complete the online admissions form. You will receive an email, in addition to the welcome email, with a link to the admissions portal and your temporary login information. 

We suggest you take a look at our user guide document in advance of starting the admissions form online. This should hopefully answer any queries you may have with the portal or the process. The guide and FAQs document can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.

*You will need your login details to be able to access the portal. Please wait for these to be emailed to you, and don't forget to check your junk folder!

The online admissions portal allows you to:

• Provide important and useful information about the child in your care;
• Biometric consent for the cashless catering system;
• Video and photographic consent; and
• To read and agree to the Home School Agreement.

Please complete your online admissions form by 4 April 2025. 

Primary School Contact

We work closely with all the local Primary Schools to ensure that our KS3 team can make contact with the school staff to make the transition to Little Heath as smooth as possible. We will arrange to visit each school and meet with the students, and their teachers. All the information provided by students, their families and school staff, enable us to give you the best start at Little Heath.

Primary School visits will start in April for students with additional needs, and around May/June for all other students. 

Introducing your Head of Year

A message from the Head of Year to our new Year 7s:

Here are a few tips to help you when you start at Little Heath:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – there are plenty of staff and students who will always be happy to support.
• Be organised – check your timetable the night before, ensure you have all your equipment and check homework.
• Try to make new friends.
• Be kind and respectful to everyone.
• Be the best version of yourself.

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information to help you feel prepared and confident about the move. We can’t wait to meet you all on Transition Day on Monday 7 July and start this exciting journey together!

Mrs Jessop
Head of Year 7

Transition Day 2025

All new Year 7 students will be invited to spend a day in school with us for 'Transition Day' which will take place on Monday 7 July 2025. They will meet their Form Tutor, and get to know the students in their form. They will be introduced to the KS3 Team and their Head of Year, Mrs Jessop, as well as other key members of staff who will be there to help and support them through their transition to Little Heath School.

They will take part in some fun 'getting to know you' activities throughout the day, and will have an opportunity to have a tour of the school and familiarise themselves with the site before starting in September.

Please arrive at 9am to start at 9.15am. If you decide to drive and drop your child off, please park outside school and walk them to the main reception where you will be met by members of the Key Stage 3 team. 

Students should wear their current school uniform, bring a pair of trainers in their bag and a packed lunch. They need to bring a refillable water bottle and their pencil case, including at least a pen, pencil, ruler and eraser. A notebook might be useful too! A sun hat and sun screen may be required as some activities will take place outside. Equally if it is colder please bring a coat!

Please collect your child at 3.00pm from the same location. When you arrive to collect them, you will be directed to the collection point for each primary school. This makes it clearer for us when signing the students out. If you wish your child to walk home, please inform us in advance by emailing us at transition@littleheath.org.uk.

Information for Parents/Carers

'Meet the Tutor' Information Evening

Parents and carers will be invited into school for a Parents and Carers information evening which will provide an opportunity to hear from members of the KS3 Team, Mrs Jessop (Head of Year 7), and to meet the Form Tutor allocated to the child in your care. This will take place on the evening of Transition Day, Monday 7 July.

There will be opportunities to ask the KS3 Team and the Form Tutor any questions, as well as a chance to purchase stationery packs and calculators, as well as second-hand uniform. We are able to take cash or card for any purchases on the night.

Please be aware that this evening event is only for parents and carers.

Due to the large numbers of parents we expect for this meeting, we will be running two separate sessions, one starting at 5pm and one at 6.30pm. You will be emailed with which one to attend.

Information Booklet

Each parent/carer and student will receive an electronic handbook. This booklet, alongside the transition page and the FAQs page on our website, will prove a handy reference for everything you need to know about starting at Little Heath; from what to do if your child is unwell or has a medical appointment, to what support is available in school, and what initial equipment and uniform is required. 

The handbooks will be emailed electronically but will also be available to download here in due course.

If you, or your child, have any questions in the meantime, please email transition@littleheath.org.uk.

Transition Map Video

Will will post a video in the summer which gives you a tour of the school, showing you all the locations that will be helpful for your child during their transition to secondary school, and all the people who will support them and help them to settle in.

What you need to do before September

Term starts on Wednesday 3 September 2025 (Y7 and Y12 only). Here's a quick run-through of what you will need to prepare in advance of your child's start date:

Getting to know LHS

Students will be given a tour of the school on 'Transition Day', and they will receive a map on their first day in September. In the meantime, please find an overall site map, and a floor plan of A block:

We are really looking forward to welcoming you all to the Little Heath family and would like to thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

The Key Stage 3 Team
transition@littleheath.org.uk
Updated 5 June 2025

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