Year 6 Transition
Hello and a very warm welcome!
My name is Mrs Dempsey and I am the Head of Year 7. I am absolutely delighted that you will be joining our school community, and I am really looking forward to meeting each and every one of you.
Starting secondary school is a big and exciting step. It is completely normal to feel a mix of emotions- excitement, curiosity, and maybe even a few worries. Please be reassured that this is something everyone feels, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
At our school, we are proud of our values of respect, excellence, ambition, compassion and honesty. From your very first day, you will see these values in action- in the way we treat one another, the way we learn, and the way we grow and achieve together. At the heart of our school ethos is a strong sense of belonging, where everyone is welcomed, supported and encouraged to be themselves.
You will be supported by a dedicated team of staff who genuinely care about you. Your form tutor, teachers, pastoral team and I will always be here to listen, guide you and help you settle in. No question is too small and no worry is too big.
Over time you will build new friendships, discover new interests, and challenge yourself to achieve your very best. We will encourage you to be ambitious, to try new things, and to take pride in all that you do.
We are incredibly excited to welcome you into our school community. You each bring something unique, and we cannot wait to see you develop, succeed and thrive with us.
As you begin this new chapter, please remember you are a valued part of our school and we are all here to support one another.
We can’t wait to welcome you into Year 7.
Mrs Dempsey
Transition Activities
We plan for all the pupils to experience a smooth transition from primary school and that they make an excellent start to secondary education. We visit every child in their primary school and gather information from teachers on this visit, as well as afterwards, before the pupils start with us. Children who are joining Thomas Keble alone from their primary school, are invited to attend a “social mixer” afternoon at the school in June so that they get to know some of their future classmates before the traditional induction days in July.
In July, we hold two school ‘induction days’ where all Year 6 joining us have two special days experiencing some of our lessons and meeting important people at the school. On these two days the pupils find out who is in their tutor group, which House they are in and who their tutor is. These are really special days when we hope to remove any fears the children may have before the summer holiday. In Year 7 there are five tutor groups, and the tutors help everyone to settle and gain the most from school.
We will give students lots of information and some fun activities to be completing over Summer including activities that help us to get to know them and Mrs Dempsey’s Summer Challenge.
1. The School Day
What time does school start and finish?
School runs from 08:45 to 15:15 each day (32.5 hours per week), with registration or assembly 08:45–09:00.
What does a “typical day” look like?
- 08:30 – Site opens
- 08:40 – Move to tutor rooms
- 08:45–09:00 – Registration/Assembly
- Five 60‑minute lessons, with break (11:05–11:25) and lunch (13:30–14:15)
Are water bottles allowed on desks?
Yes, water bottles are allowed in lessons except in science labs/DT for safety.
What is the toilet policy?
Generally, pupils are expected to go at break/lunch or during the 5 minutes given to move between lessons. Students are discouraged from asking to use the toilet at the start and end of lessons, but teachers may permit them during a lesson at other times.
2. Homework & Digital Platforms
How is homework set?
Homework is always posted on ClassCharts, accessible via the website or app.
ClassCharts login details?
Parents/carers receive access emails during the first week of term using the email address held in the school system.
How is homework handed in?
It varies by subject:
- Upload on ClassCharts
- Platforms such as Sparx (Maths) or Seneca (various subjects)
- In books or on paper in class
- Teachers may accept emailed work when needed
What is Sparx Maths?
An online platform used for maths homework.
What is Seneca?
A digital learning and revision platform used by several subjects, including science.
What if there’s a submission issue?
Teachers can remove incorrect negative points if an issue has arisen about handing in work. Reprographics can print homework from email attachments via reprographics@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk.
3. Clubs & Activities
How do children join clubs?
Most clubs require no sign‑up—students simply attend. Staff take a register of who has attended each session. Clubs usually finish at 16:15 unless stated otherwise.
Where is the club list?
The full Extra‑Curricular list is on the school website and updated each term (usually within the first two weeks). Look at Curriculum > Extra Curriculum. It is also posted in the weekly Parent Bulletin.
Is there a homework club?
Yes—after school weekly until 16:15. Specific days are posted in the Parent Bulletin each week.
4. Meals, Payments & Cashless Catering
How do pupils pay for meals?
TK uses a cashless catering system (see Information > Cashless Catering) linked to School Gateway. Log in details are shared in the first week, parents log in and add money which students can spend at the canteen. On the first day, a partial fingerprint is taken of each student. Students use this scan to pay at the tills. Parents may opt out and we can provide a pin number if preferred.
Is there a daily spend limit or buffer?
Yes, there is a daily spend limit of £6 for each account.
Free School Meals (FSM)
Students in receipt of free school meals may purchase a main meal and dessert each day. Government guidelines prohibit purchasing drinks as water is provided free of charge.
Where can I see menus?
Menus are on the Lunch Menus under the Information tab page
5. Communication & Contacts
How do I access ClassCharts?
The ClassCharts page (Information > ClassCharts) explains all features, including behaviour, homework, attendance and timetables. Parents receive login details in the first week.
How do I report an absence?
Report absence via:
- Phone: 01452 770301, press Option 1
- Email: attendance@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
Parents must notify the school by 10am on the first day, and again each subsequent day.
How do I contact staff?
- Admin: admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
- SENDCo: Emily Belcher – sendco@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
- General enquiries: admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
Parent bulletins, guides and newsletters are on the Information pages of the website.
What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s wellbeing?
Your child’s tutor is the first point of contact. Tutors are supported by the Head of Year, who can be contacted via admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk. (Tutor system is described in general pastoral guidance on the website.)
Student email format
All students receive a school email ending @tksch.uk for Microsoft 365 and platform logins.
6. Settling In
What if my child finds mornings overwhelming?
Please contact your child's Tutor in the first instance to discuss.