Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and we understand that it can also feel like a big step for both children and parents.

That’s why we help students make the move into Year 7 as smooth, supportive and enjoyable as possible through our carefully planned transition programme.

During the summer term, we work closely with each feeder primary school and Year 6 teachers to gather important academic and pastoral information. This helps us ensure that every child receives the support and encouragement they need from the very start of their time with us.

We will either visit your child in their school, or arrange virtual meetings if it is needed. These conversations help us get to know every student as an individual, including their academic progress, interests, hobbies and any additional support they may need before joining us. By understanding each student’s strengths and needs, we can make sure they feel ready to thrive at secondary school. 

We also invite parents and carers to our Welcome Evening, where you will have the chance to meet members of staff, learn more about our school and discover what your child can expect as they begin Year 7.

 

Transition Days

One of the highlights of the transition programme are the Year 6 Transition Days. Your child will spend two full days at St Cuthbert Mayne, giving them the opportunity to experience secondary school, meet their new teachers and classmates, sample our amazing food at lunch, explore the school site and take part in exciting lessons and activities.

We also encourage families to explore the Summer School, run by The Big Step. This exciting programme is designed to help students build confidence, make new friends and start to settle into St Cuthbert Mayne for September.

 

Enhanced Transition

We understand that moving from primary to secondary school can feel particularly challenging for some children, especially those with additional needs. That is why we work closely with students, families and primary schools to make the transition to St Cuthbert Mayne as smooth, supportive and positive as possible.

Transition begins during the summer term, when we work closely with feeder primary schools to understand the individual strengths and needs of each student. For students who may require support additional to, or different from, Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP), we gather relevant academic and pastoral information so that the right support can be in place from the start of Year 7.

We also help students become familiar with their new school, including meeting key members of our Learning Support and Pastoral Teams, exploring the school site and understanding everyday routines and expectations.

For students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or high and complex needs, we can offer additional enhanced transition sessions. These give students more time to become familiar with the school environment, meet the adults who will support them and build confidence ahead of September.

Where enhanced transition is appropriate, this will be planned jointly between St Cuthbert Mayne and the student's primary school, with parents and carers involved throughout.

Our aim is to ensure every student feels welcomed, understood and ready to begin their journey at St Cuthbert Mayne.

If you would like to discuss your child’s individual needs or transition support, please contact:
Mr Penrice, SENDCo: mawgan.penrice@stcm.torbay.sch.uk

We look forward to welcoming you into our school community and supporting your child every step of the way as they begin this exciting new chapter. For more information about joining our school, please contact: admissions@stcm.torbay.sch.uk

“The school has high aspirations for its pupils. Many areas of the curriculum have been successfully redesigned in recent years to increase ambition. As a result, pupils now benefit from a better quality of education than before, allowing them to achieve more highly.” Ofsted, 2025