Transition FAQs

Can my child change forms?

A – We do our very best to ensure that your child has a happy and comfortable start. Creating tutor groups is always a difficult job, trying to get the correct balance in each form and then match this group of children to the most suitable tutor and House is complex. As a result, we will not be amending any of the forms prior to September and we ask that all pupils start Year 7 in the forms that they have been allocated and allow September as their settling in period. After this time, if there are still concerns, then a meeting with the form tutor and/or Head of House will be arranged to discuss the best way forward.

My child is the only child coming from his/her primary school – I’m a little worried about this.

A – We understand that this will be worrying for these pupils and parents alike. We hope to provide an opportunity for our ‘solo’ pupils to visit school for a look around and to meet each other. We create ‘solo’ forms where children who are outside priority catchment and in small numbers will be together. This enables pupils to feel as though there is somebody else in their tutor group who has similar worries and concerns about starting school; they may even become good friends.

My child is transgender/non-binary – how does the school look after them?

A – Holmfirth High School welcomes all pupils equally into their school and regardless of their backgrounds we have a philosophy that all children deserve to feel safe and happy at our school. Holmfirth High School acknowledges that there will be LGB, transgender and non-binary people within the school community as pupil, parents, carers, staff and governors. We welcome all young people into the school community and will support these pupils effectively through our pastoral support network. The school has zero tolerance towards any form of bullying, including any transphobic abuse and will deal with such incidents firmly in line with the schools behaviour policy. In addition to this staff are aware of LGBT+ quality and every member of staff is supported if they wish to increase their knowledge through CPD. During the transition phase from Year 6 to Year 7 we welcome parents/carers to contact the school prior to their child starting in September if they wish to discuss anything around LGB, transgender or non-binary procedures.

I am unsure about some of the uniform I need to buy.

A – Please refer to our school uniform webpage which gives further information about our uniform; also, on the transition webpage you will see a video explaining our uniform standards. We strongly recommend that if you are unsure if an item you are buying does not meet our standards, mainly shoes, that you take a picture of these and email your child’s Head of House for clarification prior to buying the item.

School Uniform

Does my child need PE kit straight away?

A – In your child’s first PE lesson they will not need PE kit as they will be meeting their teacher and discussing how PE works at the school. PE kit can be purchased from a number of our suppliers in Huddersfield. However, as a school, we also sell PE kit through the PE department and would usually do this on the transition evening. We still intend to sell PE kit and would encourage parents, where possible, to buy through the school as any profit made does go directly back into the PE department to use on equipment and the up keep of their facilities. For further information on the school PE kit please see the House booklet page 8-9 and our uniform video.

My child is a fussy eater what food will be available for my child?

A – Our fantastic kitchen team work hard to offer a variety of food choices for all our children, they are also always willing to listen to students’ feedback and thoughts on school food. This is done through the form reps and House student leadership meetings. Pupils have a wide variety of hot and cold food available in the dining room and Pod area, alternatively students are welcome to bring a packed lunch which can be eaten in both these areas. Further information is available in the House booklet on page 15.

Can my child bring their mobile phone?

A – We operate a strict policy on mobile phones, students are allowed phones, but they must be turned off and out of sight in bags as soon as they arrive on site. This includes the outdoor areas of the school site. Form tutors will go through the mobile phone policy with pupils and the consequences on their first day with us.

What equipment should my child have?

A – Your child will need the equipment below:

  •  Black or blue pen(s)
  • Purple pen
  • Pencil(s)
  • Rubber
  • Sharpener
  • Ruler
  • Protractor
  • Compass
  • Scientific calculator –FX-85GT CW. Students can continue to use the previous models (FX83GTX or FX85GTX) however these are no longer available to be purchased.
  • Coloured pencils (optional)
  • Highlighter(s) (optional)
  • Glue stick (optional)
  • Scissors (optional)

Please note, as a school we provide the optional items to students in lessons when they are required. However, dependent on the current government guidance on sharing of equipment from September this may not be possible so we would encourage students to have their own.

I’m worried my child may be put in the wrong set in subjects where this takes place?

As a school we always use a child’s key stage 2 data and our own baseline assessment* to create our sets. However, due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the closure of schools we understand that this data may not provide us with the most up to date information on a child’s academic ability. Therefore, we will be completing a form of standardised testing with all our year 7 students, the data from this, along with KS2 data and baseline assessments*, will be used to create our sets. Please note that no set is fixed in any of our year groups; teachers and heads of departments will change a child’s set if they feel this will increase the progress and outcomes for that child.
*note not all departments complete baseline assessments.