Primary to Secondary Transition

The transition from primary to secondary school is a very exciting time, but this big leap can also be daunting for both children and their families. At The John Roan School our aim is to make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Along with ensuring that we have all the information we need about each child from their primary school, we always plan lots of activities and opportunities for new students to meet each other and get to know their new school before they start with us in September.

Key Transition Dates for September 2026

Virtual Welcome Assembly                 Friday 6th March        6:00pm-7:00pm
LINK TO JOIN ASSEMBLY HERE          

Admissions Evening                              Monday 18th May      4:00pm-7:00pm

Friendship Morning (invite only)        Thursday 18th June     9:00am-11:00am

Friendship Morning (invite only)        Monday 22nd June     9:00am-11:00am

Friendship Afternoon                           Wednesday 1st July    4:00pm-5:30pm

Parent Information Evening                Wednesday 1st July    4:30pm-5:30pm
(
Parents are invited to drop children off prior to attending the meeting.)

Year 6 Induction Day                            Thursday 2nd July       9:00am-2:30pm

JRSA BBQ                                                Friday 10th July           5:00pm start

Uniform Pop-Up Shop                          Saturday 11th July     11:00am-2:45pm

Our Houses at The John Roan School

What extra-curricular activities does the school run?

These vary from term to term and are different for different year groups.  The schedule is published on the website and is shared with the students.  There is always a wide range of sporting and music opportunities, we have a lively and successful debating club, the School Council plays an important part in the life of the school and we have a very busy community group that work with local day centres, have dementia training and support a wide range of local groups.  Our library is busy before and after school every day as well as at breaks and lunches.  We run homework clubs after school.  For older students there is also the opportunity to study for additional GCSEs, as well as to attend revision classes prior to exams.

Enrichment Activities (thejohnroanschool.org.uk)

 

Do you set groups in Year 7

Yes, in Maths, English and Science the groups are organised according to ability.  Students can move between groups following assessments.  In all other subjects, the students are taught in form groups or in mixed ability groups from across a number of forms.

What subjects do you offer?

At key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) we offer a wide, broad and balanced curriculum to all of our students.

Our curriculum offer can be seen on our website here

Can students take additional GCSEs?

Some of our students study for the GCSE in Astronomy – working with students from other schools and the Greenwich Observatory.  The classes for this are at the weekend. 

Some of our students also take Further Maths GCSE – this is taught after school during Year 11 

Some of our students take Triple (or separate) Science – this is largely taught after school during Years 10 and 11 

Where a student is bilingual, we are often able to arrange for them to take a GCSE in their community language

Is there bullying in the school?

Sadly there is bullying in all schools.  We work hard to ensure that all students know and understand that bullying is wrong and that it is important to report concerns around bullying at an early point.  Our Form Tutors and Heads of Year will listen and take action according to the situation that they are dealing with.  In all cases, parents are involved.  We will not tolerate bullying and take strong action where we find out about such behaviours.  Reconciliation and reparation are a key part of the follow up work.  We have a School Counsellor and a number of other staff with training in working with students who need additional emotional support.


Hardship Fund - School Uniform

What is the Hardship Fund?

We are fortunate to have the generous support of The John Roan Foundation behind us.  Each year, the Trustees allocate funds to the school to support our families who have difficulty in paying for school uniform, shoes or sports kit. The allocation of funds from The Hardship Fund is discretionary and, if awarded, does not need to be repaid.

Please note that the maximum allocation from the School Uniform Hardship fund is £100 per student and this full allocation will be considered for those students going into Years 7 and 9. Applications may also be considered for other year groups.

A LETTER WILL BE ISSUED FOR THE UNIFORM SHOP ONLY

THE CASH EQUIVALENT CANNOT BE PROVIDED.

DEADLINE: For applications to the Hardship Fund for school uniform for students entering Years 7 and 9 only for September 2025, all applications must be received by FRIDAY, 13th JUNE 2025.  You will be notified by Monday 30th June 2025 if your application has been successful, providing full evidence has been provided.

Full eligibility can be found on the application form below.

Hardship Fund - School Trips and Visits

We are fortunate to have the generous support of The John Roan Foundation behind us.  Each year, the Trustees allocate funds to the school to support our families who have difficulty in paying for curriculum trips, school visits and year group residential trips (up to 100% of the cost).

The allocation of funds from The Hardship Fund is discretionary and, if awarded, does not need to be repaid.

How to apply to the Hardship Fund

An application should be made to the Principal. The application will remain confidential and will be considered by the Principal, given their knowledge of the student’s circumstances and the evidence provided. If approved by the Principal, the application will be passed to the Finance Office for processing.

It may be possible to apply more than once, but usually only where circumstances have not changed.  Families cannot appeal a decision not to award a hardship grant, as the Principal’s decision is final.

Full eligibility can be found on the application form below.

United Learning Hub

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Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

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