I have received confirmation of my child's place at Bournside. Do I need to complete any paperwork?
Yes please. Once you have accepted your place at Bournside with Gloucestershire County Council, please complete our Student Enrolment information. You will have received a seperate email from our admissions system, Applicaa asking you to do this.
What is the school's policy on mobile phones?
Mobile phones cannot be used during school hours for any reason. In January 2026, we successfully introduced Focus Pouches for all students in Key Stages 3 and 4 (Years 7–11). This means that mobile phones can be brought into school, but must be placed in a locked focus pouch as soon as they arrive on site until they leave at the end of the day.
We actively encourage students joining us in Year 7 to not bring a smartphone to school. We have carefully audited the curriculum to ensure smartphones are not needed, and have been working with local primary schools and parents to encourage the delayed use of smartphones. See our Smartphone Free at KS1, 2 and 3 page for more information on this.
Will my child be in the same house as their sibling?
Yes, we have lots of siblings joining us in September 2026. If their sibling is still studying at Bournside (in Years 8-11) they will be placed in the same house. If their sibling is studying in the Sixth Form please note they could be allocated a different house.
What time does school start and end?
The Bournside School day starts at 8.40am and ends at 3.15pm. You can view the School Day on our website.
Where will I find term dates?
You will find the school calendar and school term dates under the 'Parents' tab on our website.
When is Transition Week?
Transition Week takes place Monday 28th June - Friday 3rd June. Pupils will join us every day from 8.45am - 3.10pm to take part in wide range of activities designed to help them step up to secondary school with confidence. They will get to explore their new school and meet teachers and their tutor group, enjoy interactive lessons, an inclusive sports afternoon, a music showcase, and much more! More information will be shared on this page closer to the time.
Please note: Your child’s primary school is aware of Transition Week and there is no action for parents/carers to take.
Can you wear shorts at Bournside?
Yes. We have updated our uniform policy this year and boys can now wear shorts. Please see the full uniform guidance on our website. We also run a second-hand uniform shop in school. Please email admin@bournside.com with your wishlist.
I'm worried about getting lost during Transition Week/in September. What should I do if I get lost or need help?
If you get lost, please speak to any teacher or student and they will be happy to help! You will be given a map during Transition Week and you will get to explore the school site over the five days of Transition too. You will know your way around in no time!
What clubs are available and can I join more than one?
SO MANY CLUBS! You can absolutely join more than one. Year 7 is a great time to try new things and make new friends. We ask that Year 7 students join at least one club and you will be able to see what's available at the Club Fair during Transition Week.
You can also view the current Extra-curricular Timetable to get an idea of what's on offer this term.
What language will I study in Year 7?
You will study four Modern Foreign Languages in Year 7; French, German, Mandarin and Spanish. You can then choose which language(s) you will continue in Year 8.
Who will be in my tutor group?
At Bournside we run a vertical tutor group system. Our house-based tutor groups are made up of approximately six students from each year group from year 7 to 11.
This means students in different year groups can build positive, healthy relationships with each other, building an enhanced sense of community. It also means younger students are informally mentored by older students, acting as positive role models.
Which Transition Parent Information Evening should I attend?
We hold two information sessions in the Main School Hall, split by your child's house allocation which will be communicated w/c Monday 15th June.
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Owens, Parks, Rowling families (5.45pm - 6.30pm)
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Attenborough, Frank, Hawking families (7.00pm - 7.45pm)
I have another question please. Who do I contact?
Please email transition@bournside.com if you have any questions. We are here to help!
