Children

Over 100 Year 7 pupils spent the last Friday in September gaining skills and cementing friendships to support their transition to secondary school at Dallam School.

Head of Year 7, Paul Ainsworth said: “We work really hard to support our Year 7s, and this team-building day gives them dedicated time and space to develop friendships and get to know their form tutor. Making the step up from primary to secondary school can be a massive adjustment for students. We want them to feel a part of the school community right from the start. They also need to get used to a more diverse curriculum, different teaching styles, and an increased responsibility to manage their time and work more independently. Plus, it’s a critical period for finding friends, developing resilience, responsibility, confidence and their personalities,” added Mr Ainsworth.

The team-building day took place at the Heversham site, home of Dallam boarding, which pupils walked to from school. Four team-building events challenged them to work together, communicate, and use their problem-solving skills. Teaching staff supervised them and sixth-form students, many of whom started with us as Year 7 pupils, supported them. The event was the first of others planned for Year 7.

Mr Ainsworth shares his thoughts on how the two age ranges in school worked together so well: “I’m incredibly proud of our Sixth Formers and the leadership they demonstrated. Every Sixth Former threw themselves into the day with energy and enthusiasm. It was genuinely heartening to watch the way they interacted with the Year 7s, who clearly looked up to them. It’s moments like these that show how valuable student leadership is. I’ve also been particularly pleased to see how seamlessly our new boarders have integrated into the Dallam community – they’ve quickly become valued and respected members of the team. Our Sixth Formers have set a high standard of community spirit, personal excellence, and leadership – something for our Year 7s to aspire to.”

The application deadline for children coming to secondary school next September (2026) is Friday, 31 October. For more information and how to apply, click here.