Transition Guide - Welcome to Co-op Academy Priesthorpe

Dear Students, Parents, and Carers,

It is an absolute privilege to welcome you to the Co-op Academy Priesthorpe family. We are delighted that you have chosen us to partner with you for this next exciting stage of your educational journey.

At Priesthorpe, we are more than just a school; we are an inclusive community where we want every student to feel safe, happy, and successful. Our vision is built upon the "Ways of Being Co-op," which guide everything we do:

Succeed together: We believe we are stronger when we work as a team and support one another.
Be yourself, always: We celebrate what makes you unique and encourage you to bring your best self to our academy every day.
Do what matters most: We focus on the right things—your learning, your progress, and your wellbeing.
Show you care: We treat each other with compassion and respect, looking after our school and the wider community.

Our expectations are simple but vital: we ask all our students to be Ready, Respectful, and Safe. By following these principles, you will find a calm and secure environment where you can focus on your learning and truly thrive.

We understand that the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big leap. Please be assured that our dedicated transition team, led by Mrs Cronshaw (Key Stage 3 Leader), is already working hard to ensure you have a smooth and positive start in September.

We look forward to meeting you soon and seeing all that you will achieve as part of our special community.

Best wishes,

Louise Pratt
Principal, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe

Transition Visits

We are so excited to begin this journey with you! The very first time we will officially welcome you into the academy will be during our organised transition visits for parents and students.

These visits are a fantastic opportunity for you to see our facilities in person, meet your future teachers, and start building those all-important friendships. We are currently putting the finishing touches on a brilliant schedule of events to ensure you feel Ready and Safe before your first day.

We can’t wait to meet you properly! Please keep a close eye on your email and the academy website, as specific dates and times for these transition sessions will be shared with you very soon.

The rest of this transition booklet is designed to be your essential guide for the journey ahead. Inside, you will find all the key information you need to feel ready for life at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe.

From understanding how your new daily routine works to discovering the exciting subjects you'll study, these pages explain exactly what your coming year will look like as part of our community. We’ve included everything from timetable tips to equipment checklists, so you can start your first term with confidence. Dive in and start exploring—we can’t wait to see you thrive as part of the Priesthorpe family!

Key People

Key Stage 3 Leader

Mrs Cronshaw, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between primary and secondary school. Her responsibilities include:

Coordinating Transition: Leading the programme that ensures Year 6 students feel confident and comfortable as they move into high school.
Pastoral and Academic Oversight: Managing a dedicated team to provide a cohesive programme of support across Years 7, 8, and 9 to secure high outcomes for all students.
Primary Liaison: Working closely with teaching staff at primary schools to gather essential information about each child, ensuring a "smooth and positive start" to their Year 7 journey.
Student Guidance: Serving as a key point of contact for students seeking advice on their progress, careers, or general school life.

Assistant Key Stage 3 Leader

Mrs Newsome works as part of the transition team to ensure all new students feel confident and comfortable moving into high school.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

Transition Support: Assisting the wider team to help Year 6 students settle quickly into their new environment.
Academic Monitoring: Tracking the progress of students across the year group to ensure they are meeting their potential.
Targeted Interventions: Leading specific support programmes and interventions to help all students achieve high-quality outcomes.

Year 7 Manager

The Year Manager at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe is a central figure in a student's daily life, focusing on their pastoral care, wellbeing, and personal development.

Unlike teaching staff, the Year Manager is often a non-teaching professional dedicated to the following:

Daily Wellbeing: Ensuring every student in the year group feels happy, safe, and secure while at school.
Attendance and Punctuality: Monitoring individual attendance and working closely with families to address any barriers to coming to school.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Acting as a "trusted adult" and role model, they provide consistent boundaries and manage disciplinary matters through a rewards-based approach rather than just sanctions.
A Bridge to Families: Serving as the primary point of contact for parents and carers to raise concerns or seek guidance regarding their child's social or emotional progress.
Safeguarding: Working as part of the wider student support team—alongside Emotional Wellbeing Officers and Behaviour Support Workers—to ensure the highest standards of student safety.

SEND Leader

Mr Nathan Randell, is responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day operation of the academy’s SEND policy.

The SEND Leader and their team provide a range of support, including:

Coordinated Transition: Working closely with primary schools to identify the needs of Year 6 students early, ensuring a tailored transition plan is in place before they start in September.
Student Passports: Overseeing the creation of "Student Passports" in collaboration with parents and students; these documents share vital strategies with all teaching staff to ensure learning is appropriately differentiated.
The Oasis Base Leader: This is a quiet, supportive area designed for interventions and as a quieter space for students during unstructured times.
Specialist Liaison: Acting as the primary link between the academy and external experts, such as Educational Psychologists and the Leeds Autism Support Service (STARS).
Monitoring Progress: Conducting termly reviews of the SEND register alongside Key Stage Leaders to ensure that every student is making progress towards their individual "flight path" targets.

For more information, parents can contact the team directly at prie-send.leaders@coopacademies.co.uk.

Arriving on your first day in September

Your first day at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe is designed to be exciting, not overwhelming Because only Year 7 and Year 11 are on-site for the very first day, the academy will feel much quieter, giving you plenty of space to find your bearings and settle in with your new Coaching group.

When you arrive, you can use either of our two main entrances: the Priesthorpe Lane entrance or the Rockwoods entrance. Whichever way you come, you will be met by friendly staff and student leaders who will be waiting to point you in the right direction.

What to expect on Day One:

The Warm Welcome: You’ll head straight to the main school hall to meet your Coach and the classmates who will be your "school family" for the next five years.
The "No-Stress" Induction: You won't be expected to dive into lessons immediately. Instead, you’ll spend time getting your Student Planner, learning your timetable, making new friends and taking a guided tour of the buildings.
The Lunch Trial: You’ll have a dedicated slot to visit the canteen, learn how the ParentPay system works, and find the best spots to sit with your new friends. Your first lunch in the canteen is also free.

Remember, every single person in your year group is feeling exactly the same mix of nerves and excitement. By the time the bell rings at 3:20 pm, you’ll already be a Priesthorpe pro.

Practical Preparation

Uniform

Academy Uniform

Black Academy Logo V-Neck Jumper

Tie

Traditional white shirt with a collar

Plain black tailored trousers

Plain black smart shoes

If you wear a headscarf or headband,it must also be plain black

PE Uniform
Black Academy logo PE Polo Shirt

Plain black tracksuit bottoms/ Sports leggings or plain black shorts

Trainers

Optional Academy logo PE Hooded top

(Additional information about suppliers will be shared ahead of the transition days in June)

The Journey to School

Moving to high school often means a more independent journey. To ensure you’re Safe (one of our three core values), follow these top tips for planning your new route to Priesthorpe:

The "Dry Run" Practice: Before your first day in September, walk or cycle the route at least twice with a parent or friend. Time yourself so you know exactly when you need to leave to arrive on time.
The Power of Two: Whenever possible, travel with a "study buddy." Walking with a friend who lives nearby is not only safer but a great way to catch up before the school day starts.
Be Bright, Be Seen: If you are walking or cycling during the winter months, make sure your bag or coat has reflective strips. If you're cycling, a helmet and working lights are non-negotiable.
Phone "Away" Policy: While having a phone for emergencies is helpful, keep it tucked away in your bag while crossing roads. Being distracted by music or messages is the biggest cause of accidents.
Identify "Safe Spots": Locate places along your route like a friend's house, a shop, or a library where you could go if you ever felt unsafe or needed help.
Know Your Bus: If you're using public transport, download the local bus app to check live timings and always have a "Plan B" in case a bus is cancelled.

Below are some of the local core routes for public transport.

These services stop at major nearby landmarks like New Pudsey Station or Dawsons Corner, which are within short walking distance of the academy:

Service 72 & X6 (The Bradford Line): Frequent services between Leeds and Bradford that stop at Dawsons Corner, just a few minutes from the school.
Service 4 & 4F (Pudsey Line): Runs from Pudsey Bus Station to Leeds City Centre and Seacroft.
Service 16 & 16A: Connects Pudsey with Bramley, Leeds City Centre, and Whinmoor.
Service 14: Provides a direct link between Pudsey Bus Station and Leeds City Centre via Bramley.
Service 30: Connects Pudsey to Horsforth and Calverley.
Service 91: A cross-city route connecting Pudsey with Bramley, Headingley, and Halton Moor.

The "Ready to Learn" Daily Checklist

The School Day and Routine:

Moving to Co-op Academy Priesthorpe means stepping into a much faster pace than primary school. The biggest change you’ll notice is movement. Instead of staying in one classroom with one teacher, you will move across the academy site every lesson to specialised rooms like science labs, tech workshops, or art studios.

The timings are also more precise. At Priesthorpe, the day is divided into six 55 minute "periods." You’ll need to master the art of the "five-minute transition"—getting from one side of the building to the other between bells to ensure you are Ready for your next lesson. Don't worry we will be here to help you until you get the hang of it.

Attendance

It happens to the best of us! If your son or daughter is feeling under the weather and truly isn't up to a day of learning, here is the friendly, step-by-step guide to making sure the academy knows they are safe at home.

Attendance Matters: The Power of Attendance

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, we are committed to providing your child with the very best start in life. To make that happen, consistent attendance is our number one expectation. When your child is here every day, they aren't just attending lessons—they are building the foundation for a happy, successful future.

Why Every Day Counts

We want our pupils to develop the social confidence they need to thrive.

Accesses Every Opportunity: From our wide range of extracurricular clubs to sporting events and classroom support, being on-site means they never miss out on the rich experiences Priesthorpe has to offer.

Secures Better Results: The link between attendance and achievement is undeniable. National statistics show that students with over 95% attendance are twice as likely to achieve a grade 5 or above in their English and Maths GCSEs than those who fall below that threshold. At Co-op Priesthorpe we aim for 97% for all pupils.

Working Together to Celebrate Success

We believe in cheering on our students as they build these positive habits. To keep motivation high, we celebrate and reward great attendance every single week. Whether it’s through house points, prizes or special mentions, we make sure our pupils know that their commitment to showing up is valued.

🤒 Oh No! They’re Unwell: What to Do

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, we want every student to have 100% attendance so they can "Succeed Together," but sometimes rest is unavailable.

Check the "8:15 Rule": Please let us know as early as possible, and no later than 8:15 am on the first morning of their absence.
The Arbor App (The Easiest Way!): Open your Arbor App on your phone. You can quickly log an absence note there—it goes straight to our attendance team and your child’s Year Manager.
Give the "Why": Just a quick sentence like "Jamie has a high fever" or "Sarah has a stomach bug" is perfect. It helps us keep track of any bugs going around the year group.
The Phone Option: If you can’t get onto the app, give the main office a ring on 0113 3871886.
Keep Us Posted: If they are still too poorly the next day, please send another quick update. We like to check in to make sure our students are okay!

"Is My Child Too Ill?"

The Green Light ✅: A slight sniffle, a mild headache, or feeling "a bit tired"? Send them in! Often, once they see their friends in Coaching, they feel much better.
The Red Light 🛑: Vomiting, or a contagious rash? Keep them home, tucked up with a duvet and some water, and follow the steps above.

Coaching

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, we don’t just have "registration"—we have Coaching. This is like your own mini Priesthorpe family

On a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, you will meet with your Coach and a small group of fellow students. Your Coach is your primary advocate and the first person you see each day; their job is to ensure you are Ready, Respectful, and Safe.

During Coaching sessions, you won't just sit in silence. You will:

Check-in: Discuss your wellbeing and any worries you have about the day ahead.
Build Character: Work on the "Ways of Being Co-op" through activities that develop teamwork and empathy.
Track Progress: Review your attendance, behavior points, and academic goals.
Belong: Build strong relationships within your "Coaching Group," creating a small family unit within the larger academy.

It’s a dedicated time to ensure no student is "invisible" and that everyone has a trusted adult to guide them through their secondary school journey.

Learning and Academic Life:

New Subjects

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, Year 7 is all about exploring a rich and diverse world of knowledge. You will dive into core subjects like English, Maths, and Science, but you’ll also get hands-on in our specialist facilities for Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, and PE. You’ll explore the world and its history in Geography and History, learn new ways of communicating in French or Spanish, and develop your digital skills in Computer Science.

One of the biggest changes you’ll face is that you won’t be in the same seat all day; you will move to different specialized classrooms for every single subject. We know that navigating a large building and remembering which room is which can feel a bit like a maze at first! Please don't worry—during those first few weeks, our corridors are filled with friendly student mentors and staff members specifically there to point you in the right direction. Before you know it, finding the Science labs or the Sports Hall will feel like second nature.

Home-Learning Expectations

When you join Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, home-learning becomes an important part of your weekly routine, helping you to "Succeed Together" by reinforcing what you’ve learned in class.

You will be introduced to some exciting online platforms designed to make independent home learning interactive and manageable for example:

Sparx Maths: Personalized weekly tasks that adapt to your level to ensure you’re always progressing.

Sparx Reader: A dedicated platform to help you dive into fantastic books and build your vocabulary.

We know that managing multiple subjects and deadlines is a big jump from primary school. That’s why you’ll be given a Student Planner to track your tasks, and your Coach will be there to help you stay organized. Whether it's a creative project for History or a science experiment write-up, remember that there are always home-learning hubs after school if you need a quiet space or a little extra help from staff!

When will my first year begin and end?

The Big Start: September 2026

Tuesday 1st September: Staff Training Day (School closed to students).
Wednesday 2nd September: YEAR 7 FIRST DAY. You have the school to yourself (along with Year 11) to help you find your way around!
Thursday 3rd September: All other year groups return.

Autumn Term 2026

October Half-Term: Monday 19th October – Friday 30th October (Two-week break).
School Returns: Monday 2nd November.
Training Day: Monday 16th November (School closed).
Christmas Holidays: School closes Friday 18th December.

Spring Term 2027

Term Starts: Monday 4th January.
February Half-Term: Monday 15th February – Friday 19th February.
School Returns: Monday 22nd February.
Easter Holidays: School closes Friday 2nd April.

Staying Connected: The "Must-Have" Apps

1. ParentPay: The Cashless Canteen

Priesthorpe is a cashless academy. You won't need to bring physical money for lunch or trips.

What it’s for: Topping up your "canteen balance" for break-time snacks and lunches, paying for stationery and consenting for school trips.
How it works: Parents receive an activation code. Once set up, you can see exactly what your child has eaten and set daily spending limits.

2. Arbor: The Parent Portal

This is the primary way the academy communicates important information to families.

What it’s for: Checking your child's attendance, viewing their timetable, and receiving official letters from the Principal.
Top Tip: Make sure your "Push Notifications" are turned ON in the app so you never miss an urgent update or a snow day alert!

It’s Okay to Feel "New"

Moving to Co-op Academy Priesthorpe is one of the biggest milestones in your life so far. It is completely normal to feel a "mixed bag" of emotions—from excitement about new subjects to "butterflies" about getting lost.

Almost every Year 7 student has the same three big questions:

What if I get lost? (Everyone does! That’s why we have extra staff in the corridors.)
Will the work be too hard? (Your teachers are experts at helping you catch up.)
Who will I sit with at lunch? (Our Coaching groups are designed to make sure nobody eats alone.)

The "Be Yourself, Always" Strategy

At Priesthorpe, we value who you are. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your Coach or your Year Manager. They are there to help you navigate these big changes. Remember: it takes about six weeks to truly feel "at home" in a new school—give yourself time!

Making New Friends: Building Your Crew

One of the best things about Priesthorpe is meeting people from different primary schools. While it’s sad to see old friendship groups change, it’s also an opportunity to find people who share your specific interests.

Top Strategies for Meeting People:

The "First Move" Rule: Everyone is waiting for someone else to say hello first. Be the one to ask, "Which primary school did you come from?" or "What lesson do you have next?"
Join an Enrichment Club: Whether it’s Football, Drama, or Gaming, clubs are the "cheat code" for making friends because you already have something in common.
The Coaching Family: Your Coaching group is your first team. Support each other and you’ll find your "crew" in no time.

Dealing with Old Friendships

You might not be in the same classes as your best friends from primary school, and that’s okay! You can still meet them at break and lunchtime. In fact, having "school friends" and "old friends" just means you have an even bigger support network.

Co-op Academy Priesthorpe