Primary to Secondary Transition Project

At the Education Learning Trust, we have developed an innovative Primary Outreach Programme (POP) designed to support pupils and their families in building confidence and maintaining momentum during the transition from primary to secondary school.

Grounded in research, the programme aims to create a more unified community by fostering strong relationships and collaboration between our secondary schools and local feeder primaries.

This partnership helps young people, parents, and staff navigate the common challenges that arise as pupils move from Year 6 to Year 7.

POP, co-created with The Kingsway School, offers the following to all feeder primary schools:

  • 18 weeks of curriculum outreach delivered to Key Stage 2 pupils (Year 6 and Year 4)
  • 9 'In reach' experiences hosted at the secondary school for Year 5 pupils
  • A fully planned and resourced 10-week bridging curriculum, delivered in both Year 6 and Year 7
  • This includes tailored experiences for parents and children to support meaningful interaction at home
  • ‘Step Up to Secondary’ events at the secondary school, where pupils engage with their future form groups and form tutors through activities like escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and wellbeing sessions focused on emotional regulation

All elements of the programme are delivered by secondary school staff, allowing pupils to become familiar with new teaching styles and begin forming relationships with their future educators.

Additionally, as part of the Trust’s Unified Community Programme, termly ‘Talk About Transition’ breakfast meetings are held. These bring together primary and secondary colleagues to help shape the ongoing development of the programme and share best practices for cross-phase collaboration.