MORE INFORMATION

Transitions

Ercall Wood Academy

The journey from primary to secondary school is an exciting and transformative time.

For many students, it represents a leap into a new world of opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities. This transition not only marks a change in the academic environment but also in personal growth, friendships, and independence.

In primary school, the setting is often familiar and nurturing, with one or two teachers guiding students through most subjects. As students move into secondary school, they are introduced to a broader curriculum, a variety of specialised teachers, and new ways of learning. This shift can feel overwhelming at first, but it also opens doors to explore diverse interests and develop new skills.

One of the most significant changes is the level of independence expected. Secondary school students manage timetables, move between classrooms, and take greater responsibility for their work. While this might seem daunting, it also builds confidence, nurtures aspiration, and empowers young people prepare for the future.

Socially, the transition can be both exciting and challenging. Meeting new classmates, navigating larger school grounds, and adjusting to new social dynamics can take time. However, secondary school also brings opportunities to forge lasting friendships and join clubs, teams, and extracurricular activities that match individual interests and encourages new challenges.

Parents, teachers, and peers play an essential role in supporting students during this time. Open communication, encouragement, and setting realistic expectations can help ease the transition. For students, embracing this change with curiosity and resilience can lead to a rewarding and successful experience.

The move to secondary school is not just about entering a new building or wearing a different uniform. It’s about stepping into a new phase of life, one filled with opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally. With the right mindset and support, transition can be an exciting and enriching journey.

Our specialised Transition Team are dedicated to making this experience as exciting and seamless as possible. Our aim is to ensure that students are prepared to approach their transition in September with eagerness and self-confidence and are as ready as possible to embrace this new and exciting chapter of their academic journey.

Throughout the Spring term of Year 6 at Primary School, your children will be visited by our transition team at their current primary school. The transition team will provide an introductory talk, take time to answer any questions and alleviate any worries or concerns that the students may have. Mrs Dungey from our pastoral team and Miss Warrington from our SEND team will also meet with your child’s current Year 6 teacher to complete a thorough and informed handover of information. This will allow the team to gain a greater understanding of your child’s individual needs and develop any additional support plans that may be required to support with the transition process. Our joined-up approach with our feeder schools is something we pride ourselves on.

Our designated transition team and all staff at Ercall Wood look forward to welcoming both new students and their families into our Ercall Wood community.

Secondary School Admissions

On Monday 2nd March 2026, year 6 pupils across the
country will find out which secondary school has offered them a place for
September 2026.

The vast majority of pupils will be offered a place at one
of their preferred schools – most will be offered their top preference.

The timetable for allocation will be as follows:

2nd March 2026	National Offer Day. NB Offer made by home Local Authority regardless of the Local Authority in which the place is going to be offered.
30th March 2026	20-school day deadline (from offer day) for parents to lodge appeal. Paperwork for appeals received after the deadline will be heard after September 2026.
Week commencing 30th March 2026	Second round offers made by Local Authority (21 days after National Offer Day).
5^th May 2026	Appeals lodged by the 20-school day deadline to be heard at Darby House, Telford.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been offered a place at Ercall Wood Academy and
would like to accept it.

Congratulations, your place will automatically be accepted. A
link will be sent to parental email addresses requesting that the admissions
form is completed. Links will be sent within 2-4 weeks of your child being
allocated a place. During the summer term, you will receive further information
from Ercall Wood regarding transition days and tutor group allocations.

Ercall Wood Academy was my first preference, but I have
not been offered a place there.

Ercall Wood Academy is committed to ensuring all students
can thrive at our wonderful school therefore we encourage all parents/carers
who wish to discuss school placement further to contact the academy directly
for further details. We can support with additional tours, conversations with
leaders or addressing specific areas of interest or queries.

If a parent or carer wants to appeal the Local Authority decision
not to offer a place at Ercall Wood Academy, they can also
complete the appeal form and send it
to admin@ercallwood.co.uk

We appreciate how this can be a stressful time for families,
so we want to reassure you we are here to help, and we are committed to
supporting all students through a key aspect of their young lives.

I have accepted a place at Ercall Wood Academy.
What happens next?

We want to make sure that the transition to secondary school
is as straightforward and stress-free as possible for students and their
families.

Ercall Wood Academy offers a robust transition program for
new starters, and this commences in May/June when our Transition Team
visits our feeder primary schools to work collaboratively to gather information
about your child to ensure we have a
supportive transition into secondary school. On-going conversations with
key members of staff across the transition team which includes supporting
students with SEND will be had with all stakeholders including you as parents.

We also have our induction days to look forward to in July.

Induction Dates 2026:
Monday 6^th July
Tuesday 7^th July

Over the coming months, you will receive further
information via email which will build towards your son/daughter learning more
about Ercall Wood Academy and feeling excited about being part of Team Ercall
Wood.