Transition 2025
Congratulations and welcome!
We are so pleased to hear that you have been offered a place at Cheltenham Bournside School, congratulations!
We cannot wait to meet you all during Transition Week which takes place from 30th June - 4th July!
During Transition Week you will spend five days getting to know us and the school site, meeting your tutor group and new friends, taking part in taster lessons, a Clubs Fair, a sports afternoon and a 'Concert in a Day'. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask any questions you have about school life and how the school operates too.
Bournside students are ambitious, curious, proud, purposeful, respectful and supportive. We celebrate everybody’s individual strengths and talents and we know you will succeed here too.
See you soon (and please remind your parent/guardian to keep an eye on their emails)!
From everyone at Bournside :)
Your House allocations
We have written to all new starters this week to share what House you have been allocated to. Your House will become your extended family at school, a support network that will be with you throughout your time at Bournside, fostering a sense of belonging, camaraderie and healthy competition within the school community.
You will have opportunities to earn points for your house through various activities, such as sports competitions, academic achievements, and for wider contributions to the community. There friendly competitions not only promote teamwork and school spirit but also allows you to showcase your talents and contribute to the collective success of your house.
Find out all about your house below:
Welcome to Attenborough House
Attenborough House, named after the legendary naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, embodies the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship.
Just as Sir David has dedicated his life to unveiling the wonders of the natural world to millions, Attenborough House inspires its students to embark on their own educational journeys.
With a commitment to sustainability, Attenborough House fosters a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Through their academic study and extracurricular activities, students in Attenborough House respect nature and show passion for making a positive impact in the world, following in the footsteps of the extraordinary man.
Key Staff:
- Head of House - Mr Bashford
- Assistant Head of House - Mrs Dunmore-Poole
- House Welfare Lead - Mrs Lloyd
- SLT Link - Mr Kelly
Welcome newsletter:
Welcome-to-Attenborough-House.pdf
Welcome to Frank House
Frank House, named after the inspirational Anne Frank, symbolizes resilience, hope, and the power of words.
Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl whose diary captured the indomitable human spirit during one of history's darkest times, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding.
As members of Frank House, students embrace Anne's unwavering optimism and her belief in the inherent goodness of humanity.
Through their actions and words, students in Frank House strive to make a difference in their school and beyond.
Key Staff:
- Head of House - Mr Crowford
- Assistant Head of House - Miss Ayre
- House Welfare Lead - Mrs Halsey
- SLT Link - Mrs Fox
Welcome newsletter:
Welcome to Hawking House
Hawking House, named after the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, stands as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and scientific exploration. Just as Hawking's brilliant mind defied the limitations of his body, so too does this house inspire its members to surpass their own boundaries.
With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and embracing the wonders of the universe, Hawking House fosters a community of inquisitive learners, constantly seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
In this house, we honor Stephen Hawking's extraordinary legacy by nurturing a generation of fearless thinkers who dare to question, imagine, and change the world.
Key Staff:
- Head of House - Mr Freeman
- Assistant Head oof House - Mrs Nelder
- House Welfare Lead: Mrs Cubbins
- SLT Link: Mrs Lees
Welcome newsletter:
Welcome to Owens House
Owens House, named after the legendary athlete Jesse Owens, perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history, stands as a symbol of determination, courage, and achievement within our school.
Just like the iconic Jesse Owens, who defied all odds and racial barriers to become a record-breaking track and field star, the students of Owens House embody the spirit of excellence and resilience.
With unwavering perseverance and a commitment to excellence, Owens House represents the enduring legacy of Jesse Owens, inspiring generations of students to reach for their dreams and leave their mark on the world.
Key staff:
- Head of House - Miss Kelly
- Assistant Head of House - Miss Mitchell
- House Welfare Lead: Mrs Lloyd
- SLT Link: Mr G Taylor
Welcome newsletter:
Welcome to Parks House
Parks House, named after the remarkable Rosa Parks, an iconic figure in the civil rights movement. Our house name stands as a reminder to the students within its walls to embrace their own potential and make a positive impact in the world, just as Rosa Parks did.
Parks demonstrated immense courage and determination in challenging racial segregation. Her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked a pivotal moment in American history.
Parks' act of resistance not only led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott but also became a symbol of the fight for equality and justice. We celebrate her legacy of bravery, resilience, and the pursuit of social change.
Key staff:
- Head of House - Mr Hirons
- Assistant Head of House - Miss Daulton
- House Welfare Lead - Mrs Cubbins
- SLT Link: Mr Mudge
Welcome newsletter:
Welcome to the Rowling House
Rowling House is named in honor of the renowned author J.K. Rowling, and our house embodies the spirit of creativity, imagination, and boundless possibilities.
Just as Rowling's captivating stories have transported millions of readers into extraordinary worlds, we encourage our students to embrace their unique talents and discover the magic within themselves.
Rowling House fosters a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity, courage, and the power of words. Here, every student is inspired to unlock their potential, write their own narrative, and embark on a lifelong journey of learning.
Key staff:
- Head of House - Mrs Stickland
- Assistant Head of House - Mr Morrison
- House Welfare Lead: Mrs Halsey
- SLT Link: Mrs Shanks
Welcome newsletter:
Transition Bulletins
You'll find lots of information to help you prepare for a successful Transition Week and September start here:
Letters and information
Transition FAQs
When is Transition Week?
Transition Week takes place Monday 31st June - Friday 4th June. Your child will join us every day from 8.45am - 3.10pm to take part in wide range of activities designed to help them step up to secondary school with confidence. They will get to explore their new school and meet teachers and their tutor group, enjoy interactive lessons, an inclusive sports afternoon, a music showcase, and much more!
Please note: Your child’s primary school is aware of Transition Week and there is no action for parents/carers to take at this stage.
Will I be in the same house as my sibling?
Yes, if your sibling is still studying at Bournside (in Years 8-11) you will be placed in the same house. If your sibling is studying in the Sixth Form you might be allocated a different house.
What time does school start and end?
School starts at 8.40am and ends at 3.15pm. You can view the School Day on our website.
Where will I find term dates?
You will find the school calendar and school term dates under the 'Parents' tab on our website.
Do I need to complete any paperwork?
Yes please, once you have accepted your place at Bournside with Gloucestershire County Council, please complete our Student Enrolment information. You will have received a seperate email from our admissions system, Applicaa.
Can you wear shorts at Bournside?
No, you cannot wear shorts. Please see the full uniform guidance on our website. We also run a second-hand uniform shop in school. Please email admin@bournside.gloucs.sch.uk with your wishlist.
What should I do if I get lost or need help?
If you get lost, ask a teacher or a student to help and they will be happy to help! You will be given a map during Transition Week and you will get to explore the school site over the 5 days too.
What clubs are available and can I join more than one?
SO MANY CLUBS! You can absolutely join more than one. Year 7 is a great time to try new things and make new friends. We ask that Year 7 students join at least 1 club and you will be able to see what's available at the Club Fair during Transition Week.
What is the school's policy on phones?
Phones should not be seen or turned on in school and will be confiscated if seen during the school day. See 'Use of Mobile Technology' in our Behaviour Policy for more information.
We actively encourage students joining us in Year 7 to not bring a smartphone to school. We have carefully audited the curriculum and We are working with local primary schools and parents to encourage the delayed use of smartphones and we have created “Smartphone Free at KS1, 2 and 3" to help us achieve our goal. We know from countless conversations with parents that they'd like to be able to hold off giving their children phones but, because "everybody's doing it" it's really difficult to say, "No". So we're hoping that by running this campaign, you'll know that if you choose to hold off giving your children a smartphone until the start of Year 10, you have our support.
What language will I study in Year 7?
You will study four Modern Foreign Languages in Year 7; French, German, Mandarin and Spanish. You can then choose which language you will continue in Year 8.
Who will be in my tutor group?
At Bournside we run a vertical tutor group system. Our house-based tutor groups are made up of approximately six students from each year group from year 7 to 11.
This means students in different year groups can build positive, healthy relationships with each other, building an enhanced sense of community. It also means younger students are informally mentored by older students, acting as positive role models.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please email transition@bournside.com if you have any questions. We are here to help! You will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the Parent Information Evening on Monday 23rd June.