Highdown Outreach Programme
At Highdown, we strive to maintain close links with our primary school partners through a continually developing outreach programme and it is through these partnerships that we are able to start the transition process from Year 5.
In Year 5, if your child is in a local school, they will have the opportunity to visit Highdown with their primary school and/or have specialist Highdown teachers visit them at their primary school to deliver exciting sessions in a variety of subjects, including, but not limited to; science, English, Mandarin, ethics, drama, food and PE.
Year 5 Experience Day
In the summer term, we are delighted to be able to invite you and your child to join in a unique two-part Highdown Experience Day.
On Wednesday, 9th July 2025, we will be open to students in Year 5 (who will be starting secondary school in September 2026) from 9am-1:45pm.
This is a unique opportunity for your child to gain an insight into secondary school life whilst also enjoying Highdown’s specialist facilities and the expertise of our talented teaching staff. Students will be sorted into groups with classmates from their primary school and take part in a varied timetable including three secondary school lessons.
For the second part of the day, parents and carers are invited to join us at 1pm for a tour of the school and to see some of the lessons in action. This will also provide you with an opportunity to speak to members of Highdown staff and to get an early insight into life at Highdown.
Local students will be invited to the Year 5 Experience Day via their primary schools and students attending schools outside this invitation will be welcome to apply to attend via the school website during the summer term.
Year 6 Transition Day
On Thursday, 26 June 2025, new pupils will engage in a full induction programme to unlock the mysteries of their new school and familiarise them with the Highdown site, staff and systems. Students will spend the day in their mentor groups, engaging in a full timetable of lessons, and many will make new friends before they have even begun their secondary career. It is on this day that they will be introduced to their Year 7 (soon to be Year 8) Buddies, who will be allocated to their mentor group and support these new students all the way through to the end of their second full week at school...and beyond.
Year 6 Parent Welcome Evening
Each summer, we host a special evening for parents and students joining in September where they can meet the Headteacher, Heads of Achievement and Mentors. It is also a time for parents to learn about the apps and systems we have in place at Highdown to aid learning and communication and to ask any burning questions. For September 2025 starters, the evening will take place on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025.
If you have any queries regarding transition, please contact Suzanne Hopes, Transition & Marketing Lead:
suhopes@highdown.reading.sch.uk
Please read our new publication 'Highdown Lowdown' to give you an insight into transition and beyond at Highdown.