Primary to Secondary School Transition

Guidance on supporting a positive primary to secondary school transition

This guidance aims to provide Year 5 to 8 school staff with the knowledge and tools to support students to successfully transition from primary to secondary school. It describes the contributors to a successful transition and outlines the support that can be implemented for students from Years 5 to 8.

For the Year 6 to 7 placement process schools must follow the guidance in the Year 6 to 7 placement chapter of the Enrolment policy.

Schools are encouraged to review and refine their transition programs to address the guidance in this topic, and particularly the relevant phases.

This guidance contains the following chapters:

• Four phases of transition to secondary school
  • Preparation phase (Years 5 and 6)
  • Transfer phase (end Year 6)
  • Induction phase (Year 7)
  • Consolidation phase (Year 8)
• Contributors to a positive transition
  • Placing students at the centre of transitions practice
  • Maintaining student engagement and wellbeing
  • Providing tiered support
  • Ensuring learning continuity
  • Partnering with parents, carers and family