A smooth transition from primary to secondary
Welcome to the Year 7 transition page. Our aim is to make the transition from primary to secondary education as smooth as possible. Here you will find information to help you feel excited and prepared for secondary school life.
Students offered a place at Shoreditch Park will be invited to the academy with their parent(s) to have an individual meeting with a member of staff, discuss expectations and answer any questions they may have. In addition to this, students and parents are invited into school for a dress rehearsal appointment at the beginning of term to answer any questions and to ensure students have all the correct uniform and equipment ready for school life at Shoreditch Park – this will ensure we have the early parental support that is crucial to a child’s academic success.
Joining Year 7: your questions answered
You will naturally have lots of questions about joining secondary school and starting in Year 7 at Shoreditch Park. Our students are here with all the answers!
Principal, Holly Arles, and staff at City of London Academy Shoreditch Park welcome students joining in Year 7.
Preparing for secondary life
Admissions interviews
During the summer term of Year 6, students and parents will be invited to attend an admissions interview to cover key information for September and our Family-Academy Contract.
Dress rehearsal day
An excellent way to start the term well. Students will come to the academy in uniform with their bag and equipment. Staff will check you have everything you need ready for the first day of school.
First day of lessons in September
On your first full day you will spend the day with your tutor, co-tutor and peers, attend an assembly, and receive your planner and timetable. Your planner is a vital piece of equipment to ensure you are organised every day.
Things to know before you start
Equipment List
Below is the list of equipment you will need to purchase before Dress Rehearsal Day. Please ensure you have the correct amount. The equipment list can also be found in the Parent/ Carer Handbook.
Essential equipment
Students must carry a clear, transparent pencil case containing:
- 2 x black / blue pens
- 2 x pencils (HB)
- Green pen (for self-assessment)
- Rubber
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener
The following items are also compulsory:
- Clear plain water bottle
- Protractor
- Calculator
- Reading book
- Black umbrella
Provided by the academy:
- Student Planner
- SParKO knowledge organiser
- Compasses are provided in lessons where required. Students must not bring these into school.
What items are not allowed at the academy?
No electronic items (MP3 player, Smartwatches such as Apple Watch, mobile phone, PSP, DS etc.) are to be brought into the academy. If seen, they are confiscated and only returned at the end of term. Students are also not allowed to bring in food, sweets, drink, cosmetics or money.
Our house system is a very exciting concept which means as a tutor group and as a house collectively you will compete in a variety of competitions to win the most points, becoming House Champions!
Our four houses are:
| AldersgateAL | BishopsgateBI | CandlewickCA | WalbrookWA |
Examples of House Competitions are:
- The House Debate
- The House Table Tennis Competition
- Science Quiz
- Humanities Around the World Competition
- PI memorisation competition
At Shoreditch park, we are proud to offer a broad and inclusive music programme that enables all pupils to engage with instrumental music, whether they are complete beginners or wish to develop their skills further through private tuition.
We offer:
- A free Year 7 Instrumental Programme for all students
- Optional private instrumental and vocal lessons, including a limited number of subsidised lessons
Year 7 Instrumental Programme (Free for All Year 7 Students)
All Year 7 pupils are given the opportunity to learn a new instrument as part of our curriculum offer.
Key Features
- One hour per week of instrumental tuition
- Taught in small groups of approximately 10 pupils
- Delivered for the full academic year at no cost
- Instruments are provided, with the opportunity to take them home for practice
On their induction day, pupils will receive a form allowing them to indicate their preferred instrument choices. Instruments typically offered include:
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Cello
- Violin
- Clarinet
- Guitar
While we always aim to allocate pupils their first-choice instrument, this is subject to staff availability. Pupils should not select an instrument they can already play, as this programme is specifically designed for beginners, enabling groups to progress together at an appropriate pace.
Once groups are finalised, instrument changes will not be possible.
Instrument Pathways and Progression
The programme provides a strong foundation across four instrumental pathways:
- Guitar
- Woodwind (clarinet)
- Brass (trombone or trumpet)
- Strings (violin or cello)
By the end of the academic year, pupils are supported to reach Grade 1 standard, assessed through the COLASP Music Grade. This early milestone equips students with the skills needed to progress confidently towards GCSE Music by Year 10.
Instrument Loans for Year 7
Pupils will be able to take their instrument home once a loan agreement has been signed.
We ask for a minimum £5 donation to help maintain and service instruments for future cohorts. Further details will be shared at the start of the academic year.
Encouraging Student Practice and Achievement
Regular practice is central to musical progress, and the Year 7 Programme actively supports this through:
- A practice booklet to track home and school practice
- Access to practice rooms for supervised rehearsal
- Teacher signatures to recognise effort and consistency
Practice evidence as well as effort in class can be used towards earning COLASP Music Badges!
At the end of the year, students who pass their COLASP Music Grade and have achieved a Bronze, Silver, or Gold badge will be awarded the Platinum Badge and Certificate in recognition of their commitment and progress.
Private Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
In addition to the Year 7 programme, pupils across the school may enrol in private instrumental or vocal lessons, subject to availability. These include a limited number of subsidised options.
Lesson Fees (from September 2026)
- Subsidised group lessons (2–4 students):
£40 per term for 10 × 30‑minute lessons
- Subsidised solo lessons (20 minutes):
£155 per term for 10 lessons
- Solo lessons (30 minutes):
£225 per term for 10 lessons
Subsidised Lessons
Please note:
- Subsidised lesson places are limited
- Pupils are shortlisted based on behaviour and attainment in curriculum music lessons
- GCSE Music pupils will receive free tuition in their coursework instrument/voice in a pair
Sign‑Up Process
Please note that there is a limited number of available places for subsidised lessons. Your child’s behaviour and attainment in their curriculum music lessons will be considered when shortlisting pupils for subsidised lessons.
GCSE music pupils will be able to learn their coursework instrument or voice for free in a group of 2 pupils.
Please find linked here the form to sign up for lessons for September by the 25th May 2026. Payment for these lessons is due by the end of the summer term (3rd July 2026) via Parent Pay. Payment will be available to make after the half term.
Please note that, moving forward, lessons will not be able to begin unless payment has been made.
When signing up via this form, you are agreeing to a year’s worth of lessons. Please see the cancellation procedure below.
Please note also that lesson fees must be cleared for the current academic year to qualify for lessons next academic year.
Sign up form: Sign Up Form for Instrumental Lessons: Autumn Term – Fill in form
Cancellation Procedure
The cancellation procedure requires a full half term’s notice to be given directly in writing to Ms Stone, Subject Leader for Music via the music email address: b.stone@shoreditch.cola.org.uk
Due to the nature of the funding, subsidised group lessons cannot be cancelled unless a replacement student is found to fill the space.
Instrumental Hire
If your child requires an instrument to hire, we ask for a £20 annual fee. This contribution helps us maintain and service our instruments, ensuring they remain in good condition for all students to use throughout the year. Please indicate whether you need to hire an instrument in the above form and an agreement will be sent to you in due course.
If you have any questions or require any support, please do not hesitate to contact me at b.stone@shoreditch.cola.org.uk.
You can purchase your school uniform from Trutex Hackney. You can also order uniform from them online. Please find the link here: https://www.trutexhackney.com/collections/city-of-london-shoreditch-park.
Visit out Uniform page for a full list of uniform requirements and expectations.
Should you have any queries or require any further information regarding the 2026 transition arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact transition2026@shoreditch.cola.org.uk.