Welcome to Astrea Academy Netherwood’s Transition page for Year 7 entry in 2026-2027 and 2027-28

We are delighted to welcome you and your child as you begin the exciting journey from primary to secondary school at Astrea Academy Netherwood.
This page has been created to support you through this important transition by providing key information, important dates, and helpful resources to ensure your child’s move into Year 7 is as smooth and positive as possible.
We understand that this can be both an exciting and, at times, an anxious period for families. Our aim is to keep you well informed and reassured every step of the way. Here, you will find everything you need to know about what to expect, how we support our new scholars, and how you can help your child prepare for the next stage of their education.
We very much look forward to getting to know you and working in partnership to ensure a confident and happy start to secondary school life.
Key Dates for Your Diary
1 March 2026 National Offer Day
Secondary school places are confirmed by Barnsley Local Authority.
4 and 12 March 2026 Year 6 Offers Evening
All parents/carers of scholars who have received an offer for Astrea Academy Netherwood will be invited to book an appointment to attend this event. Families will meet with a member of the team to discuss expectations and next steps.
The evening will also include a Principal’s Welcome Presentation and the signing of the Commitment to Excellence Home–School Agreement, an important step in preparing for your child’s future success here at Astrea Academy Netherwood.
Timings are as follows:
Families need to attend the presentation and one Commitment to Excellence Meeting (The meeting will take approx. 10 minutes)
16:30 Principal/VP Presentation 17:00 CTE Meeting
17:00 Principal/VP Presentation 17:30 CTE Meeting
17:30 Principal/VP Presentation 18:00 CTE Meeting
18:00 Principal/VP Presentation 18:30 CTE Meeting
19:00 Depart
April – July 2026 Transition Activities
Our Transition Team will visit primary schools, alongside additional transition sessions led by the SENCO. Dates will be confirmed later in the academic year.
SEND Additional Transition
Sessions By invitation only. Please speak to your child’s primary school if you feel your child would benefit from additional support.
Solo Scholar Transition Session
An additional transition session for scholars who are the only child joining Netherwood from their primary school. This session is by invitation only and aims to help pupils build friendships and become familiar with other members of the year group.
8 and 9 July 2026 – Formal Transition Days
Year 6 scholars will attend Netherwood to prepare for their start in September.
September 2026
First Day of Year 7 (Date to be confirmed)
October 2026 (Date TBC) 4:30pm–6:30pm
Year 5/6 Open Evening An opportunity to explore Netherwood Academy, meet key staff, and learn more about what we can offer your child.
31 October 2026
Secondary School Application Deadline To apply for a place for September 2027 entry, applications must be submitted online by this date. You can apply online for your school place.
See a video tour of your new school!

Key Staff

SLT Transition Lead: Mrs Fiona Gwynnette – Assistant Principal Fiona.Gwynnette@astreanetherwood.org
Year 7 Progress leader – Mr Jamie Utley
Jamie.Utley@astreanetherwood.org

Year 7 Academic Year Leader –
Ms Julia Neave Julia.Neave@astreanetherwood.org

SENCO – Ms Chantelle Selby
Chantelle.Selby@astreanetherwood.org

Assistant SENCO – Mrs Emma Currie
Emma.Currie@astreanetherwood.org

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs Paula Flaherty
Paula.Flaherty@astreanetherwood.org
Key Information
The school’s full calendar can be found here.
Netherwood Academy Family Handbook 2026-2027 Year 7
Family-Dining-Netherwood