As we approach the end of the school year, many parents and students are projecting forward to September and to the Junior/Senior School transfer. Understandably there are some inevitable 'jitters', however well the students know the school already.

Before the students arrive the way in which the forms are put together is crucial. Students should feel as comfortable as possible in their new form group and it is always good for them to have a friend in the Tutor Group nominated by them on a special information form given to the Head of Year or House. For Independent Schools with a Junior Department, the students will usually be mixed up to a degree (whilst maintaining the opportunity for there to be a couple of friends in the class still) so that new friendship patterns can establish themselves rapidly. Most schools will ensure there is a good ability mix in each Tutor Group too, although setting, banding or streaming may come into play for lessons.

All good schools will run an Induction Day before the end of the previous school year. Many take place in the last week of June or first week in July. The purpose of this day is to familiarise the students with the day-to-day running of the school by giving a snapshot of this as well as answering all the questions from both parents and students. Perhaps most important in the eyes of the students is the social benefit of this day. For the first time, students get to meet their peers within the Tutor Group setting. Often email addresses and phone numbers are exchanged so that the students can meet over the summer holidays. The idea of having a few friends all set up before school starts is very helpful, especially to girls who often fret about the "best friend" issue more than boys.

In the Independent sector, other services are often provided for parents on induction day. These may include the provision of the purchase of school uniform on the day. The same applies to the school bookshop, where dictionaries, book lists and mathematical equipment can be purchased.

Once the students begin in September, there is much the school can do to ensure a comfortable and empathetic start. Many schools will stagger the start of the first day to enable the new students to have some space.

One real difference between the maintained and the independent sector is the wealth of extra-curricular activities offered by the latter. Most will have a Societies Mart at the very beginning of the school year and I would encourage students to join as many clubs as possible, without over-extending themselves. The more they put in the more they will get out of their school. Clubs are an excellent way of enhancing learning and of making friends from other classes and year groups.

During the transition period often parents are more concerned than their offspring and I would expect any good school to offer a social event (such as a wine and cheese) very near the beginning of the year in order for them to meet as many teachers as possible in a social setting. This also allows them to ask any questions that they may not have wished to ask in a more formal environment.
In my experience the vast majority of students make the transition between Junior and Senior School really successfully and any worries are unfounded. For the few that encounter difficulties any good school will have excellent support facilities (in the independent sector there is usually as School Nurse too) and any problems can be swiftly dealt with; the key is to let the school know.

By Lorna Duggleby, Head, Bromley High School for Girls, GDST.