A carefully planned transition means it’s less daunting for pupils at Bradford Grammar Junior School to join Senior School, across the site. Pupils handle the experience well, it’s the teachers who find it hard to let go sometimes, writes deputy headteacher Felicity Robertshaw-Hughes.

As celebration assembly came to a close, the music started and Mr Ribeiro dismissed the Year 6 children from the hall. His words were simple: “For nearly the last time, show us how sensibly we should return to class.”

I happened to be seated next to some of the children I taught last year, in Year 6 now, they’re preparing for the next stage of their journey – heading to the Senior School. The nostalgic part of me doesn't want them to leave Clock House (our name for the Junior School). But they're ready, they are really ready. And when I put my logical brain on, I know I'll see them all the time and this is the right step for them.

I recently bumped into Will, now in Year 11, who I taught at Clock House. We stopped for a few moments to chat and he told me, “Miss, I'm about to do my Spanish oral exam and I'm a bit nervous.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pupils at play outside Clock HousePupils at play outside Clock House (Image: Bradford Grammar School)

The conversation continued, I wished him luck and the next day, he excitedly told me that it had gone well. This is where we’re particularly fortunate at Clock House. The pupils are taking the next step but they're not leaving, not really.

They're going to the Senior School: the place where they have lunch every day, where they will continue to use the same sports facilities, DT labs, science labs and library. Many of the staff are known to them and we will see them regularly. It’s such a gradual transition.

Behind the scenes, the close partnership between the two schools means Mrs Tomlinson, head of Year 7, the heads of English, maths, learning support and form teachers, are briefed on each individual child’s needs even before their allocated transition day, ready to support them as soon as they arrive. Mrs Tomlinson has also taken significant time to get to know the parents and children, including welcome meetings, assemblies and enjoying the spectacular Year 6 play.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pupils are ready to take the next step Pupils are ready to take the next step (Image: Bradford Grammar School)

Lower down the school, transition is carefully considered too. Recently, we welcomed almost 50 new children for an afternoon with current children and their new form teachers, including Mrs Zincke and Mr Thornton. They were also joined by Mrs Jones, our Head of Junior School Sport, and her team to enjoy sessions aimed at building relationships and trust. Our current pupils proudly stepped forward to act as buddies and were preparing welcome post cards to send to new pupils over the holidays (but shh - it’s all a surprise).

This year, we also add a new welcome event. The Year 2 children will come to school a day before the older children, giving them an opportunity to acclimatise and learn routines in a quiet environment and enjoy one of Mr Winter’s yummy lunches!

As teachers at this end of the academic year, we’re at a very special point. We’ve grown to know each child in our care and are preparing for them to spread their wings. It’s bittersweet but a sign that you’ve taught them well that they’re so ready to move on; the children are so full of ‘Hoc Age’ spirit to meet the next opportunity with determination and optimism, we’ve planted strong roots and it’s time for them to grow and flourish.

Bradford Grammar Junior School will welcome its first Reception and Year 1 children from September 2024. To find out more, contact the admissions team at admissions.jnr@bradfordgrammar.com or call 01274 553713/553702.

To register for a future open event, visit: bradfordgrammar.com/signup