Cokethorpe School is reshaping how pupils experience the move into secondary education through a pastoral programme focused on belonging, resilience and emotional confidence.
Starting secondary school is often seen as one of the most significant milestones in a child’s education, and the school says its structured transition model is designed to help new pupils feel connected before formal lessons begin.
The programme is led by Amy Prior, who oversees Year 7 integration and pastoral support.
“Friendships are the single most important factor for children at this age,” says Mrs Prior. “If a child feels settled and connected, they are far more likely to thrive both socially and academically.”
Rather than beginning the school year with a conventional classroom introduction, pupils take part in an overnight camp delivered with outdoor education specialists.
Activities include team-building exercises, water sports and shared accommodation within house groups, designed to help pupils build relationships quickly.
“The aim is to gently push pupils outside their comfort zones,” Mrs Prior explains. “They arrive not knowing many people, but leave having formed connections and understanding who their support network is.”
The school says this early approach is intended to build confidence and resilience before academic pressures increase.
Drawing on experience across both state and independent education, Mrs Prior says pupils who struggle later in school often lack self-belief and resilience developed during earlier years.
“We’re focused on building those foundations early,” she says. “Confidence and resilience are essential for accessing learning.”
To encourage inclusion, activities are designed so that pupils arriving from the school’s prep section and those joining from external schools mix naturally rather than remaining in existing friendship groups.
Small tutor groups of fewer than ten pupils allow staff to understand each child closely and identify concerns early.
“Every small detail matters,” says Mrs Prior. “We build a picture over time so we can step in early if needed.”
The school also uses regular one-to-one conversations between tutors and pupils, often held while walking, to create a more relaxed setting for discussion.
Digital safeguarding systems and its blue light safeguarding approach are also used to encourage pupils to raise concerns confidently.
A wider house system helps younger pupils connect with older students, offering informal support and reassurance.
“You’ll often see older pupils checking in on younger ones,” Mrs Prior adds. “That sense of community is incredibly powerful.”
The school says prioritising emotional wellbeing from the start helps create long-term success in both learning and personal development.
“As educators, our role is not just academic,” says Mrs Prior. “It’s about helping children feel secure, capable and ready to take on challenges, both in school and beyond.”
Located near Witney, Cokethorpe School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18, set within a 150-acre parkland campus.
