Primary Transition Programme

The Lower School provides a supportive environment for pupils to both settle into the school and to thrive in all that they do.

One of the biggest challenges students can potentially face is the transition from Primary to Secondary school. Here, at The Crypt School, we have a broad range of feeder schools so our extensive induction programme is extremely important to us.

New Year 7 Induction Programme for 2026 Entry

Shortly after the allocation of places, all those who have been offered a place will be invited to a Welcome Webinar.  All students and parents who have been offered a place, and those who achieved a qualifying ranking and might be considering requesting to go on our Waiting List, will be invited to attend.  Following the Headmaster's welcome will be presentations from pastoral leaders and a Q & A session with current Year 7 & 8 students.  The Admissions Officer will also give parents information on forthcoming events. 

During May / June our pastoral team will contact primary schools to arrange a time to meet the students who are joining us in September.   Information will be sent to parents via email regarding ipads, residential details, etc.  We will also send parents the weekly newsletter which is sent to all current parents, to give a flavour of life at the school. 

On Thursday 18th June there will be a pastoral evening for all parents and students.  At this evening students will be told which tutor group they are in and will meet their tutor and other students who will be in their tutor group for a 'getting to know' you session.  Parents will listen to presentations and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Induction Day for all Year 7 : Monday 29th June 2026. It will be spent taking part in various activities such as Music, Drama, Art, and getting to know each other a little more.

Sports Camp : Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th August

Further details about all events will be sent to parents before the dates. 

Listen to staff and current Year 8 students highlighting the enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities below:

At the beginning of September all Year 7 are invited into school for before the remainder of the school cohort starts.  Later in academic year, the whole of Year 7 and their tutors go on a 3 day residential. The main focus of this is to secure new friendships and to take part in team building activities.

"Volunteering to become a Student librarian in Year 7 helped my confidence and being part of a group made me feel very welcome – this role helped me to settle into school life quickly!" - Muhammad, Yr 8

It’s an exciting time, and one where students are starting to develop their confidence and independence. The Crypt School is supportive, with teachers who will help set you on the path to success. Our teachers really get to know the students and look to build positive working relationships with all students and parents in those vital first few years of Secondary school life. Find out more about the typical day of a lower school student!

"Everyone was really welcoming. For example, when I walked past the basketball hoops with my friends the Year 10s stopped playing and let us past". - Elle, Yr 8

All pupils study a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes Maths, Science and English, as well as the humanities subjects, foreign languages, Design Technology, ICT and Food Technology and PE.  In Year 9, pupils will begin their GCSE courses in Science and RE, whilst other subjects will begin to teach the skills needed to succeed at GCSE level.

The House system is particularly important part of Lower School life.  We have a strong culture of praise and pupils earn merits for excellent contributions both inside and out of the classroom. 

We appreciate moving to Senior School can be a challenge and pride ourselves on ensuring we make this a smooth process.