The transition from primary to secondary school is a key change in a child's education. For St. Joseph’s, Mr McHale is the Assistant Head teacher in charge of transition co-ordinaton. He works very closely with primary schools in acquiring information on every child to understand their individual needs. The information is gained through transition forms and in depth meetings with each school’s Year 6 teacher. Mr McHale also visits each child in their primary school to address any concerns they may have about the transition to St. Joseph’s.

All Year 6 pupils attend their Induction day in July. We give new pupils a cognative ability test to ensure they are placed in the correct learning group and they also have the opportunity to meet peers from their new form groups. Additionally, parents are invited to St Joseph’s for Year 6 parents' evenings to prepare and inform them about their child’s transition. Pupils and parents tell us that they find these events very helpful.

In the first term there is a party held by each House to welcome their new Year 7 Form. The older pupils in a House organise games and activities to help new pupils integrate into their pastoral group.

Through many years of experience, it always amazes us how quickly the Year 7 students settle in to "big school". The worries of "will I get lost?", "will I make new friends?" become questions of the past and soon the pupils get themselves involved in House events and clubs so they feel a real part of our school community.