Starting secondary school is a major milestone
Supporting Every Step from Primary to Secondary
Starting secondary school is a major milestone — exciting, full of possibility, and understandably a little daunting for students and parents alike.
At Hammersmith Academy, we have designed a comprehensive transition process that ensures every child feels prepared, confident, and ready to thrive from their very first day.
We understand that success begins with security — when students feel supported, they achieve their best. That’s why our dedicated Transition Lead and Key Stage 3 Team oversee every part of this journey, supporting both students and families through each stage.
Meet the Key Stage 3 Team
Our Key Stage 3 Team (Years 7–9) will be your key point of contact throughout your child’s early years at the Academy. They play a central role in helping new students settle in, make friends, and develop the habits for academic and personal success.
The team includes:
| Teacher | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Kevin Yiminyi | Assistant Headteacher / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Ms Fadua Laaouiti | Head of Year 7 |
| Ms Celia Okoli | Year 7 Pastoral Support Officer |
| Your child’s Tutor | Who provides daily check-ins, monitors wellbeing and progress, and acts as your first point of contact. |
Together, they provide the structure, care and consistency that ensure every student is supported to flourish both academically and personally.
Transition Packs and Preparation Tasks
Each family receives a Transition Pack before the summer holidays to help prepare for life at Hammersmith Academy.
This pack includes:
- Transition tasks and summer activities to keep learning active.
- Key information about daily routines, equipment, and uniform.
- A Starting Secondary School Checklist to help families feel ready for September.
The summer work tasks give students a sense of the academic expectations of secondary school, while also allowing teachers to see each child’s progress when they arrive.
Summer School: Building Confidence and Community
Each summer, we invite all incoming Year 7 students to take part in our Summer School Programme — an important and exciting part of the transition process.
Led by our Year 7 Team, Summer School helps students:
- Get to know their new school environment and facilities.
- Meet new classmates and begin to form friendships.
- Build positive relationships with teachers and staff.
- Maintain learning in literacy and numeracy over the summer break.
- Develop enthusiasm and confidence for the year ahead.
The programme blends academic sessions (literacy, maths, and study skills) with team-building, sport, and creative activities, ensuring an enjoyable and balanced experience.
Students leave Summer School familiar with the Academy, connected to their peers, and excited to begin their journey with us.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
What should my child do to prepare for September?
All students receive a summer work pack during induction, which must be completed and returned in September for marking.
Where and when can I buy the school uniform?
Our uniform supplier is School Uniform Direct. Once your child’s place is confirmed, you can order online or visit the local store.
See our Uniform Page for full details.
My child doesn’t know anyone else joining. Will they be okay?
Absolutely. Our induction activities are carefully designed to help students make friends and feel part of the Academy community.
Classes are mixed ability and thoughtfully balanced to ensure an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone settles quickly.
How will the Academy look after my child?
Our Pastoral Team — including Tutors, the Pastoral Support Officer, and the Head of Year — provides daily care and guidance.
They are supported by the Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 3, who is also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). We also have trained first aiders, a School Nurse, SENCO, and school counsellors for additional support where needed.
What are lessons like?
Lessons at Hammersmith Academy are 80 minutes long, with four lessons each day.
They are designed for engagement and progress — beginning with review activities, introducing new concepts in small steps, and using questioning, modelling, and independent practice to ensure understanding and challenge. We encourage students to show resilience, take initiative, and reflect on their learning — building habits that last a lifetime.
What are the rules like?
Our expectations are clear, consistent, and based on respect.
We operate a Firm but Fair approach: we guide students to make positive choices, take responsibility, and learn from experience.
Our pastoral and behaviour policies are designed to create a calm, supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive. You can view our full Behaviour Policy here.
What clubs can my child join?
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs through our Session 3 Programme, including sports, performing arts, STEM, music, and academic societies.
Find out more about Session 3 Clubs.
What food options are available?
Our cafeteria serves nutritious meals freshly prepared each day, with halal, vegetarian, and fish options always available.
See our School Meals page for current menus.
A Partnership with Parents
Transition doesn’t end when your child starts school — it’s a partnership that continues throughout Year 7 and beyond.
We keep parents closely involved through regular communication, progress updates, and opportunities to meet the Pastoral Team.
We want every parent to feel confident that their child is supported, known, and thriving — and that you have a team you can contact at any time.
The Start of Something Exceptional
At Hammersmith Academy, our goal is simple: to ensure that every child begins their secondary education with confidence, belonging, and ambition.
With our dedicated staff, well-planned transition programme, and nurturing environment, students settle quickly, form friendships, and begin achieving from day one — laying the foundations for real world success.
