Transition 2025
Congratulations and welcome!
We are so pleased to hear that you have been offered a place at Cheltenham Bournside School, congratulations!
We cannot wait to meet you all during Transition Week which takes place from 30th June - 4th July!
During Transition Week you will spend five days getting to know us and the school site, meeting your tutor group and new friends, taking part in taster lessons, a Clubs Fair, a sports afternoon and a 'Concert in a Day'. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask any questions you have about school life and how the school operates too.
Bournside students are ambitious, curious, proud, purposeful, respectful and supportive. We celebrate everybody’s individual strengths and talents and we know you will succeed here too.
See you soon (and please remind your parent/guardian to keep an eye on their emails)!
From everyone at Bournside :)
Transition Bulletins
You'll find lots of information to help you prepare for a successful Transition Week and September start here:
Letters and information
Transition FAQs
When is Transition Week?
Transition Week takes place Monday 31st June - Friday 4th June. Your child 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!
Please note: Your child’s primary school is aware of Transition Week and there is no action for parents/carers to take at this stage.
Will I be in the same house as my sibling?
Yes, if your sibling is still studying at Bournside (in Years 8-11) you will be placed in the same house. If your sibling is studying in the Sixth Form you might be allocated a different house.
What time does school start and end?
School 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.
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.
Can you wear shorts at Bournside?
No, you cannot 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.gloucs.sch.uk with your wishlist.
What should I do if I get lost or need help?
If you get lost, ask a teacher or a student to help 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 5 days too.
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 1 club and you will be able to see what's available at the Club Fair during Transition Week.
What is the school's policy on phones?
Phones should not be seen or turned on in school and will be confiscated if seen during the school day. See 'Use of Mobile Technology' in our Behaviour Policy for more information.
We actively encourage students joining us in Year 7 to not bring a smartphone to school. We have carefully audited the curriculum and We are working with local primary schools and parents to encourage the delayed use of smartphones and we have created “Smartphone Free at KS1, 2 and 3" to help us achieve our goal. We know from countless conversations with parents that they'd like to be able to hold off giving their children phones but, because "everybody's doing it" it's really difficult to say, "No". So we're hoping that by running this campaign, you'll know that if you choose to hold off giving your children a smartphone until the start of Year 10, you have our support.
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 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.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please email transition@bournside.com if you have any questions. We are here to help! You will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the Parent Information Evening on Monday 23rd June.