Here at Pendle Vale College, we make every effort to ensure our new starters have a smooth transition into secondary school.
During the process students will be visited at their primary school by our transition team.
On Thursday 3 July 2025 your child will be joining us here for a Transition Day at Pendle Vale – more details to follow in a letter.
This will give them the opportunity to meet key members of staff, who will be with them on their journey from Year 7 through to Year 11, as well as having the opportunity to meet new friends and the chance to see a typical a day here at Pendle Vale.
Transition can be a difficult process for both parents and students, so on the evening of Thursday 3 July 2025 parents are requested to join us for our Transition Evening, during which we provide you with key information regarding your child’s journey at Pendle Vale College. The evening will commence at 5:45pm prompt.
Once again we will be running our PVC Summer School week commencing Monday 21 July 2025 to Friday 25 July 2025. There will be an opportunity to sign up for the week on the transition evening along with more information.
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact, Mrs E Ford Transition Co-ordinator at transition@pendlevale.lancs.sch.uk
Virtual Tour
Resources
The transition to secondary school is a big moment for any child but during these unprecedented times, pupils may feel anxious or unsure about what is to come on their journey to Pendle Vale College. The following resources have been created to prepare Year 6 pupils for the transition to secondary school.
The resources (below) are part of the ‘Be Awesome, Go Big‘ package, a project from PiXL Club and Hachette Children’s Group, to help Year 6 students transition into Year 7.
These resources can be used by both students and parents at home or in school with teachers. This has been designed to be motivational, helpful and reassuring to help young people feel valued, loved, encouraged and equipped for the journey ahead.
These resources are only to help and guide your child. They do not have to complete all of the tasks, but if they wish, they can work through each interactive lesson, recording their answers in the accompanying workbook. A copy of the workbook has been posted home to each of our new Year 7 students. Please enjoy working your way through these resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming to secondary school is a big milestone in your life, it’s exciting, with lots of new challenges. However, you may have a few worries before you start. Don’t worry, this is completely normal! I have put a few of the most common worries here, and what to do if they come up.
Where is my classroom?
You will be given a tour of your new school when you start and there are lots of people who will show you where to go. Look out for staff, and the Prefects. They have all been in your situation and will help you. You can familiarise yourself with Pendle Vale College using our online Virtual Tour
What if I’m late for my lesson?
We understand your new high school is much bigger than your primary school. This means you have more rooms and places to remember. The teacher won’t mind if you explain.
Who did I tell if I feel sick?
If you feel unwell, tell your teacher. They will give you a note to see Mrs Hesketh or Mrs Parker. They will then call home, if needed, and arrange for your parent or carer to collect you from school. Mobile phones are not to be used on the school premises, so please don’t call home from your phone! Just go and see Mrs Hesketh or Mrs Parker.
What if I don’t know anyone?
We have a number of students who are the only ones who came from their primary school. There are lots of ways to make new friends, and we encourage this. We will have lots of activities in the first week or so, which are designed for everyone to get to know each other.
What do I do at break and lunchtime?
You will have a designated area for your break and lunchtime. At lunch you can bring a packed lunch or access a hot lunch in the canteen. Lunches need to be paid for in advance via our online payment system Scopay details of which will be sent to your
parents.
What if I need the toilet?
Where possible go to the toilet out of lesson time. That is before school, at break and lunch. If you need to use the toilet during lesson times, ask permission from your teacher and they will sign your planner.
Can I bring a mobile phone?
Mobile phones are not allowed in school. If you bring one you must switch it off before you enter the school gate and must not use it again until you have left the site
at the end of the day.
Will I get bullied?
We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. It is something we take very seriously.
If you have any concerns speak to a member of staff or your Prefect and they will report any concerns you have and let Mrs Hesketh or Mrs Parker know, or you can speak to Mrs Hesketh or Mrs Parker in confidence. It will be sorted out, and we will let parents know.