Open Evening and Transition Hub 2027
Choosing a secondary school is a big moment for every family. This page brings everything together in one clear place: Open Evening, Open Mornings, transition, admissions, pastoral support, SEND, curriculum, enrichment and the next steps towards joining St Mary’s Catholic College. At St Mary’s, pupils join a caring Catholic community where they are known as individuals, supported with confidence and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.
Open Evening, Open Mornings and opportunities to see the school in action.
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Learning, faith, friendships, sport, creativity, trips, enrichment and belonging.
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See who will guide, support and welcome your child before September.
04Clear guidance on admissions, deadlines, forms and next steps.
Visit St Mary’s
The best way to understand St Mary’s is to visit. Open Evening gives families the chance to meet pupils and staff, explore departments, see our facilities and get a real feel for the atmosphere of the school. Open Mornings then offer a calmer opportunity to see St Mary’s during a normal working day. Families can see lessons taking place, ask questions and understand what day-to-day life feels like for pupils.
Life at SJP
The best way to understand St Mary’s is to visit. Open Evening gives families the chance to meet pupils and staff, explore departments, see our facilities and get a real feel for the atmosphere of the school. Open Mornings then offer a calmer opportunity to see St Mary’s during a normal working day. Families can see lessons taking place, ask questions and understand what day-to-day life feels like for pupils.
A broad and ambitious curriculum helps pupils build knowledge, confidence and curiosity. Our teachers support pupils to think deeply, work hard and aim high.
A broad and ambitious curriculum helps pupils build knowledge, confidence and curiosity. Our teachers support pupils to think deeply, work hard and aim high.
St Mary’s is a Catholic community shaped by Gospel values, respect, courage, pride, determination and compassion. Children of all faiths and none are welcomed into a community where every young person matters.
Sport helps pupils build teamwork, resilience, confidence and healthy habits. Pupils are encouraged to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of something bigger.
A message from the Headteacher
Choosing the right secondary school is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. At St Mary’s, we understand how important it is that your child feels happy, safe, supported and excited for the future.
We are proud to be a caring and ambitious Catholic college in the heart of Wallasey. Our mission is to develop individual excellence, embrace opportunities and build communities with Gospel values at the heart of everything we do.
At St Mary’s, relationships matter. We work hard to know every child as an individual, to support them when they need help and to challenge them to become the best version of themselves. We want pupils to leave us with strong qualifications, but also with confidence, character, compassion and a clear sense of who they are.
This hub is designed to help you explore our school, understand our transition process and feel confident about the next step. We look forward to welcoming you to St Mary’s.
Mr K Maddocks
Headteacher
Starting Year 7
Moving from primary to secondary school is exciting, but it can also feel like a big change. Our transition process is designed to make that move feel clear, calm and personal. We work closely with primary schools and families so that we understand each child before they arrive. This helps us plan form groups, routines, support and any additional help pupils may need.
Open Evening, Open Mornings, primary school links, transition communication, welcome information and opportunities to ask questions.
Clear routines, support finding classrooms, help with timetables, form tutor check-ins, friendship support and staff available to guide pupils as they settle.
Form tutors, year teams, pastoral staff, SEND support and classroom teachers who get to know pupils and help them feel confident in school.
Your child will not be expected to know everything on day one. We help pupils learn the routines, find their way and settle into secondary school step by step.
Support
Your child will not be expected to know everything on day one. We help pupils learn the routines, find their way and settle into secondary school step by step.
Staff who know pupils well, help them settle quickly and support them through the normal challenges of school life.
Staff who know pupils well, help them settle quickly and support them through the normal challenges of school life.
Support with confidence, friendships, routines, worries and the move into secondary school.
Support with confidence, friendships, routines, worries and the move into secondary school.
Meet the transition team
Add staff photos and profiles here so families can recognise the people who will support, guide and reassure pupils from the start.
Leads transition, supports pupils and keeps a close overview of the year group.
Main point of contact for key dates, family updates and starting arrangements.
Supports wellbeing, attendance and the day-to-day care of pupils.
Works with families to support pupils who may need additional help.
Parent resources
FAQs
Pupils are supported through transition activities, clear routines, form tutor support, pastoral care and a year team that gets to know them. We help pupils understand the school day, find their way around and feel settled.
That is completely normal. Many pupils feel nervous before starting Year 7. Our transition process helps pupils build confidence gradually, understand who they can speak to and feel part of the St Mary’s community.
We work closely with primary schools and Year 6 teachers to collect key information. This helps us understand pupils’ strengths, friendships, learning needs and any support that may help them settle.
We use information from primary schools to help create form groups carefully. We consider learning partners, friendship information and what will help pupils settle and thrive.
Our SEND and pastoral teams work with families, primary schools and external agencies where needed. Support is planned carefully so pupils can access learning, build confidence and feel included.
Families will receive clear information about uniform, equipment, start times and where pupils need to go. Pupils should have a strong school bag and the correct basic equipment, including pens, pencil, ruler, rubber, calculator and other items listed in the uniform and equipment guidance.
Lessons are designed to be challenging but achievable. Teachers support pupils to build knowledge, ask questions, revisit learning and grow in confidence. If pupils find something difficult, they are encouraged to ask for help.
Pupils can spend time with friends, use social spaces, visit the library, take part in activities and join clubs. Staff are on hand to support pupils as they settle into new routines.
We celebrate effort, kindness, positive behaviour, good work, contribution and improvement. Families will be able to see and celebrate their child’s progress through the school’s communication systems.
Yes. Open Mornings are a great way to see St Mary’s during a normal school day and ask questions in a smaller, quieter setting.
You apply through your local authority admissions website and submit your preferences before 31 October. Some families may also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form.
Put St Mary’s Catholic College as your first preference on your local authority application form.
You can use the enquiry form, contact the school office or attend an Open Morning for more help.
Yes. Sport, enrichment, trips, faith life, creativity, leadership opportunities and clubs all help pupils feel part of the community quickly.
What inspectors found
Recent inspection feedback recognised the caring and welcoming nature of St Mary’s. Inspectors highlighted that pupils feel safe, pupils are respectful to staff and each other, behaviour has improved, and pupils know that staff care for them.
Alongside a safe and caring culture, inspectors recognised an ambitious curriculum, thoughtful SEND support, strong personal development and opportunities that help pupils grow beyond the classroom.
Read the inspection reportPupils know there are trusted adults they can talk to and that staff care for them.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils help children feel known and supported.
Learning is planned to build knowledge, confidence and high expectations across the school.
Pupils’ needs are identified carefully, with support planned so they can access learning well.
Inspire lessons, leadership, enrichment and wider experiences help pupils develop character.
Pupils can take part in clubs, sport, creativity, careers experiences and leadership opportunities.
Transition timeline
From your first visit to the first few weeks of Year 7, we guide families through each step so the move to secondary school feels clear, calm and personal.
Attend Open Evening or an Open Morning to meet staff, speak to pupils and see the school in action.
Use the enquiry form to ask about transition, SEND, pastoral care, admissions, travel, uniform or anything else you need to know.
Submit your secondary school application through your local authority. If St Mary’s is your preferred school, put St Mary’s first.
Families receive their school allocation from the local authority, followed by St Mary’s updates and transition information.
We work with primary schools and families to understand each child, plan support and help pupils feel ready.
Summer School
Use the enquiry form to ask about transition, SEND, pastoral care, admissions, travel, uniform or anything else you need to know.
Apply for a place
Applying for secondary school can feel daunting, but the process is straightforward. Families should apply through their local authority admissions website and submit their preferences before the national deadline.
Visit Wirral authority admissions website.
Complete the secondary school application form.
Add your schools in genuine order of preference.
If St Mary’s is your preferred school, put St Mary’s first.
Submit by 31 October and keep your confirmation.
Complete the Supplementary Information Form if it applies to your family.
Keep in touch
Use this form to collect enquiries, invite families to Open Evening and Open Mornings, then continue the journey with follow-up emails and admissions reminders right up to 31 October.
