Gotherington Primary School

The Lawns, Gotherington, Cheltenham, GL52 9QT

Parents  »  Secondary School Links

At the end of Year 6, children from Gotherington transfer to a wide range of secondary schools across the county. Historically, schools have included: (We have included links to the school websites – simply click on the name of the school):
Whichever school you choose we try to make the transition as easy as possible, working in close partnership with the school of your choice. For further advice, parents/carers are advised to contact the Local Authority Admissions Team.

During September/October each year all of the local schools will hold open days/evenings for prospective pupils and their parents. This will provide you with an opportunity to have a look around the school and to meet the Head Teacher, staff and pupils. We would recommend that you begin to look at schools when your child is in Year 5 although some parents do leave it until Year 6.

The County Council will produce a booklet and on-line guidance about the whole process of Secondary school application, complete with the dates of open days for each school in September.

In early September, the Grammar schools will host the Grammar School Entrance Test. The seven Gloucestershire Grammar Schools made a joint decision to start using Durham University (CEM) for the admissions test. CEM do not produce commercially available practice materials and the advice that we have been given is that best preparation for the tests is to read a wide variety of books and use mathematics on a regular basis. Familiarisation materials are available to parents to give guidance on the style of the questions. These can be found on each of the websites mentioned above. It is important that parents visit the school websites to ensure that they are familiar with the registration process. 

In late October of Year 6 you will need to complete an application form listing the secondary schools in order of choice. This application can be completed on-line or it can be posted (if you choose to post it our experience has shown that you should keep a copy and obtain a proof of posting). All of the necessary paperwork and information will be sent home with your child once it is received here in school.

In the March of Year 6 you will receive notification of your allocated school. There will be an opportunity to appeal against the decision should you not receive the school of your choice.

During the summer term, the secondary school where your child has secured a place will hold induction days. These days are extremely useful and enable your child to feel totally at ease with the arrangements and expectations prior to starting in their new school. Members of staff from the schools also visit the children in their own settings so that they are able to ask any questions.

Hopefully this information will provide the answers to most of the questions you may have but please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything else you wish to know.