Year 6 - 7 Transition 2026
A Warm Welcome to Rye College!
Dear new Year 7 students and families,
Welcome to Rye College!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our school community. Our goal is to ensure every child feels confident, cared for, and excited about joining Rye College.
To start your journey with us, we have created this special 'transition webpage'.
Rye College is a very safe and welcoming school. All of our students were Year 7 students once, so they know how you feel. Our school is a place where you can be yourself, quickly make friends and feel part of our family.
We know this is the start of your bright future with us.
Kind regards,
Mr. Downes
Head Teacher
Our Staff and Students Welcome You to Rye College!
Watch our video - we are so excited to meet you all soon!
//www.youtube.com/embed/Zr-DXqmByH4#t=0.5
Your Transition Journey
Our Transition programme gives students a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with our school, meet our team, make new friends, and begin preparing for the educational change ahead of them. Our activities focus on helping students get used to, and move confidently around, our school site. We also base our programme on our Rye College character values — Proud, Positive, Employable, Kind, and Committed — which gives students a fantastic opportunity to develop positive relationships with their peers and with our team.
Please see the key dates and timeline for Year 6 to 7 Transition to help families understand what happens next.
| Monday, 2nd March | Secondary school places offered to Year 6 students. Rye College admission forms will be emailed to all families who have been offered a place with us. |
| Friday, 13th March | Online application form deadline. |
| Wednesday, 10th June | Pre-Transition Session: 9.30am - 12.30pm. Families will receive an email invitation for students to attend. |
| Thursday, 11th June | Family Coffee Afternoon: 2:00–3:00pm, for families of students invited to the Pre-Transition Session. |
| Thursday, 11th June |
Transition Q&A Webinar: 6:00 – 7:00pm, hosted by Mr. Downes, Head Teacher, and Mr. Harrison, Director of Values and Transition Lead. |
| Wednesday 1st - Friday 3rd July |
Year 6 Transition Days at Rye College. We look forward to welcoming all new students to our Transition Days, where they will take part in activities and start getting to know our school community. Full details will be shared with primary schools and families nearer the time.
Transition Parent Information Sessions. As part of our July Transition Days, we look forward to welcoming families into school for an informal session where you can learn more about our routines and expectations. Key staff will be available to answer your questions, and it’s a wonderful chance to meet other families joining our community.
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| Thursday, 3rd September | We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students to school on Thursday, 3rd September 2026. |
Year 7 Welcome Booklet
Please see our Year 7 Welcome Booklet below, which includes a variety of useful information to help onboard your family to school life with us at Rye College. We will discuss these areas during our transition events, to enable your child to be successful in their transition to secondary school.
Rye College Year 7 Welcome Information Booklet
Please also see our Family Handbook which provides more detailed information about our school . If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch via office@ryecollege.co.uk. If your query relates to your application, please email admissions@ryecollege.co.uk.
Quick Links for FamiliesUniform
The School Day Equipment Checklist
School Meals and Free School Meals Information
Newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my admission form?
An online admission form will be sent out to families at the beginning of March, please complete by 13th March 2026 to confirm your place.
Where can I find out more about uniform?
Uniform can be purchased through Superstitch. Click here for more information about our uniform.
Where can I find out more about school life at Rye College?
Our family handbook is a really useful resource with everything families need to know about daily school life at Rye College. Click here to view.
How will I be kept informed?
We will keep our incoming families updated on transition events and activities in the coming months via email.
To stay up to date with more general Rye College news and developments please follow our social media accounts which we regularly update with information, good news stories, student achievements, community links, useful resources and upcoming events.
Facebook - @ryecollegeuk
Instagram - @ryecollege_eastsussex
What does my child need to bring on the transition days?
Please ensure your child brings the following with them on transition days:
- A pencil case with pens and pencils
- A filled water bottle
- Money to use for the canteen or a packed lunch
- Please ensure all items brought into school are clearly labelled
- Sunscreen if we experience warm weather
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Students may bring mobile phones to school, but they must be switched off and kept in their bags at all times. Phones must not be used or seen on site. Any phone that is used during the day will be confiscated. Phones are brought to school at the student’s own risk, and the school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
If you need to contact your child while they are with us during transition, please email office@ryecollege.co.uk or telephone 01797 222 545.
What does my child need to wear for transition?
Wednesday 1st July: Students should wear their primary school uniform.
Thursday 2nd July and Friday 3rd July: Students are welcome to wear their primary PE kit, as activities will be more active and outdoors.
Can siblings or friends help get my child to transition?
Yes - we actively encourage students to help each other and for our newest students to start learning how to get themselves to school.
Where do I drop and/or collect my child for Transition?
Students will finish each day at 3:00pm.
Please see the following arrangements for student departure:
- Students using public transport: Rye College staff will escort students to the bus stop and train station in Rye to ensure a safe and timely departure
- Students going home with siblings: These students will meet their sibling(s) in the main hall at the end of each day
- Students being collected by parents/carers: The designated collection point is the back entrance gate, accessible via the Rye Sports Centre car park
- Students walking home: Students walking home will also exit via the back entrance gate through the Rye Leisure Centre car park.
What date do students start in September?
Our 1st day of term will be Thursday, 3rd September 2026.