Year 6 to Year 7 Transition
We’re delighted to welcome you and your child as you begin the exciting journey from primary to secondary school. We understand that the move from Year 6 to Year 7 is a big step - not just for children, but for parents and carers too. It’s a time filled with anticipation, curiosity, and maybe a few nerves.
At SMRT, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our transition programme is designed to help your child settle in quickly, feel confident in their new surroundings, and start building positive relationships from day one. We work closely with primary schools, families, and students to ensure a smooth and reassuring experience.
This page will guide you through what to expect, key dates, helpful links, and how we'll help your child feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive in Year 7. If you have any questions, we’re always here to help.
We can’t wait to meet you and your child, and we look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you!
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Transition Timeline and Key Dates
In chronological order, we run a comprehensive and supportive transition programme with parents and carers as follows:
The Welcome Evening for Parents/Carers - Date
This is where you will hear more about the transition process and our dedicated team of Year 7 tutors.
Induction Days - Dates
These take place in the summer term where students will be able to visit the school and find out more about their learning, what we stand for and the practicalities of getting to and around the school. In addition, there will be extra transition support and parent/carer meetings for students with EHCPs or CiC status.
First Day of School - Date
On the first day in September, year 7 will start school separately from other year groups. They will not go to lessons immediately, but will be given the chance to get to know each other, learn about our Alive values and settle into the school environment. See our section below for what they bring on their first day.
Meet the Tutors Event - Date
There will be a ‘meet the tutors’ event where any of your questions can be answered.
Parent/Carers Evening for New Year 7 - Date
There will be a parents/carers evening when you discuss, with your child's subject teachers, ways in which we can continue to improve the learning of your child.
First Day of School - What to Bring
content
Pastoral Care and Support
Muller house
Medication and first aid
Uniform and Equipment
Uniform
Full details are on our Uniform and PE kit information page.
Second-hand Uniform
We are pleased to be able to offer items of second-hand uniform for sale to parents/carers. Sales of these items take place termly in school at Student Reception. See our second-hand uniform information.
Planners
Travel and Getting to SMRT
Where we are Located
We are located in Somerset Square, Bristol, BS1 6RT. We provide location maps on our Contact page.
School Bus Routes
There are good bus services to the area – routes 24/25, 52, 75/76, and 89/90 all stop on nearby Redcliff Hill (BS1 6RB). Other routes stop at Temple Quay and Lewins Mead, in the Centre, which is only a short walk away across Queen Square, or outside Bristol Temple Meads station.
Walking or Cycling Advice
There are entrances from Somerset Square and from the A370/Clarence Road known as the 'river end'. The main Somerset Square entrance must be used for late arrival at the School.
We provide covered cycle storage for students.
Drop-off/Pick-up Information
SMRT does not have on-site parking facilities for students and parents/carers. The entrance to the main School is from Somerset Square. This is a one-way street. Those driving to the School using a SatNav system should note that the School postcode (BS1 6RT) will take them to the rear of the school with no public access. Postcode BS1 6PG will direct drivers to Somerset Square and the main entrance to the School.
The School Day and Term Dates
The School Day
The start and finish times for the school day, along with lesson timings, are available on our school day information page.
Term Dates and INSET
The term dates and INSET days for the next academic year (when they are ready to be published) are on our term dates and INSET page.
Calendar
We publish all the dates for the school year in a Google calendar format that you can subscribe to on your phone. The dates are also available on this website. See our calendar page for more details.
Lunch and Food Options
Homework and Academic Expectations
How Much Homework to Expect
Homework is an important part of a student's education, allowing the opportunity for consolidation of work done in school and for self-supported study at home. Further information and timetables for when homework is set can be found on our Homework page.
You can see the Homework set for your child on MCAS (see our Communication section next), and students' access homework on their Student Portal app.
Access to Online Platforms (SharePoint, Student Portal, Email)
Subject resources for some subjects at Key Stage 3 will be provided to students on SharePoint. SharePoint can be accessed via Microsoft's SharePoint app (see relevant app stores) and via the web at M365.com
Homework and timetables are available to students via the Bromcom Student Portal which is available via an app and a website. See our Bromcom Student Portal support page for more information.
Students receive an IT account and an email. Students can access emails via M365.com and/or via the Microsoft Outlook app available for both Apple and Android. See the relevant app stores.
Support for Organisation and Study Habits
As your child navigates secondary school there will be times when they may need support. On this page you will find some helpful links, and we have provided further links to external services and organisations offering support on our Parent Links page.
Communication with Parents/Carers
How Parents/Carers can Contact the School
The best way to contact us is via the contact form on this website or by phoning 0117 3772100.
Reporting Absence
Email attendance@smrt.bristol.sch.uk or call 0117 3532069 (after 4:30pm on the day before absence, or before 8:30am on the day of absence). Please report to us on every subsequent day of absence. See our Attendance page for further information.
We will report absences to you via SMS text message (check with Alison and her watchlists).....
How do we Communicate with You?
As well as calling or emailing you directly, our communication channels with you include news updates on our website, monthly newsletters, and we're across all the main social media channels. You can follow us on our socials using our Linktree page.
We provide you with information on your child's timetable, homework, reports, exam timetable (where applicable) and other aspects of school life via an app called MCAS, which is part of Bromcom, the school's MIS (management information system). ‘MCAS’ stands for My Child at School and is the name of the parent/carer view of our published data on both desktop and the app. We encourage you to activate your account at the earliest opportunity so you can make use of this service. Full details on activating your account are available on our Bromcom support page.
How progress is reported
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Friends of SMRT
The Friends of SMRT (PTA) committee contributes to school life in many ways and acts as a major consultative group for raising funds for school. We urge you to subscribe to the fund from the start of your connection with school, and to support the various social and fund-raising events held throughout the year. Further details are available on our Friends of SMRT page.
Worship
Content
Clubs and Extra-Curricular
Instrument Lessons
We offer a variety of music lessons and would love to help your child further develop their interest in music. Read more on our Instrumental Lessons page.
Extracurricular Clubs and PE Clubs
We provide a multitude of interesting clubs and activities throughout the school year. Further details on what we offer are on our Clubs and Activities page.
Trips and Payments
Paying for Meals and Trips
You can pay for your child’s meals and any school trips and events using ScoPay, our online cashless system. Visit our School Dinners page for more information.
Enabling Fund
We are very fortunate to be able to offer financial support to those who request it through our Enabling Fund. More details can be found on our Enabling Fund page.