New Year 7 Evening�March 2026

Congratulations

Embracing Challenge

Inspirational learning to support every student to embrace and overcome challenges in every lesson and learning experience, every day to transform their own lives and those of others

This is the school where “ethos and values" are visible and demonstrated in daily practice and inclusion “is lived not laminated.”

IQM Assessment November 2025

BGS School Aims

​

All are important, but

Responsible Learning

is fundamental to your child’s success in all areas of school life

​

"Burnham Grammar School has developed a self-image of the school that emphasises individual progress. Staff encourage students to work hard and “push themselves to the point when they make mistakes.”

​

IQM Assessment November 2025

“When invited to reflect on their time at Burnham Grammar School, the alumni described how the schools’ ethos and values shaped their attitudes and helped them to achieve their goals.”

​

IQM Assessment November 2025

Year 7 BGS Diploma & Psychology for Learning

BGS Year 7 Diploma

• Foundations for Responsible Learning & developing key study skills
• Students focus on a key skill every half term – reinforced in every lesson and evaluated by tutors
• There are 4 key challenges linked to the school aims
• There are Bronze, Silver & Gold awards at the end of the year

​

Psychology for Learning

• A taught course in Year 7 & Year 8
• Students study
• How the brain works
• Memory and how to improve recall
• Recognising and understanding the benefits of short term stress and health issues of long term stress
• Wellbeing and the mental health continuum

ALL Subject Areas are

Important in Your Child’s Development

Please do not pigeon hole them or allow them to pigeon hole themselves as only being good in certain areas

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

MUSICAL ENSEMBLES

DANCE SHOW

SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

SPORTS EVENTS

Bullying occurs very infrequently. On the rare occasions when it does happen staff deal with it swiftly and effectively. Pupils told inspectors that they feel happy and safe at school.

​

Ofsted Dec 2022

​

Home Learning

No homework for the first two weeks

3 days notice for homework

Try to stick to the indicated times

Putting the Diploma & P4L into context

​

Student Chromebooks

• All students will have the opportunity to purchase a Chromebook using a flexible financial scheme
• All devices will be provided with a 3year warranty, insurance, a Google licence and will be owned by the student once the lease term is complete
• Access to a Chromebook both in school and at home can help improve students’ academic progress and independent learning
• The scheme will be heavily subsidised for students in receipt of Pupil Premium funding.
• There will be an information evening for parents in June 2026
• Please be aware that costs for the 2026 scheme have increased
• Families are encouraged to compare prices with other retailers

Mobile Phone Policy

​

• No phones on display on site
• Phones to be put in lockers until end of the day
• Phones will be confiscated until following Friday
• Social media – parents need to monitor access to age-appropriate sites

Think about establishing routines before your child has a phone

​

Sleep is Important

You will need 8-10 hours

Establish a routine

Digital Detox – remove phones & tablets etc

Wind Down – 30-60mins before lights out

Avoid Energy Drinks/Coke in the afternoon

Year 7 �Our Expectations

We just need you to try your best, Embrace

Challenges and be a Responsible Learner

What we need from our new Year 7 students?

1. We want you to be Happy! (Tell us when you are not!)
2. You must always try to be a Caring Individual.
3. Challenge yourself in every lesson, every day and keep going when things get difficult.
4. Strive to be the best you can as an individual.
5. Recognise the key importance of effort that is focused.
6. Testing possible answers and getting things wrong is the sign of great learning.
7. Be inquisitive; ask questions of yourself, other students and your teachers.

​

School Transport�Please visit the webpage or the Year 7 Information Site for details regarding the school bus(es) and route(s)

​

Mr Churchouse�Head of Year 7

​

Vertical Form Groups & Teaching Groups

​

Vertical Form Groups

​

• Students meet in form groups for morning registration
• Students from Years 7 to 13
• Provide consistent start to the school day
• Personalised pastoral support from form tutor to tutees
• Older students mentor younger students
• Prepares students for life beyond school

​

​

Teaching Groups

​

• Taught in the same group for most lessons
• Teaching groups are created before September induction day
• Current student situations are considered (Interests / friendships / personalities)
• The goal is to create balanced teaching groups which give every student the best possible chance of a successful transition

​

Subjects Studied in Year 7

​

English (including Literacy) Geography

Maths Modern Foreign Language

Combined Science Music

Art PE

Computer Science Psychology for Learning

Design Technology PSHE

Drama Religious Studies

History

​

Modern Foreign

Languages

​

Modern Foreign Languages

​

• For timetabling reasons it is not possible to opt for the language to be studied in Year 7
• If there is a valid reason why your child should be allocated one of the two languages (e.g one of the languages is spoken at home), then please contact Admissions: admissions@burnhamgrammar.org.uk
• The fact your child may not have previously studied the language allocated to them at BGS is not a reason to be concerned
• The majority of Year 7 students very quickly close the gap between those who have studied the language in primary school and those that haven’t

​

Extracurricular Clubs

​

Extra-Curricular Clubs

​

• Just as important as your curriculum lessons
• Clubs take place at lunch times and after school throughout the year
• Rich and varied programme with both sporting and non-sporting activities
• ALL Year 7 students are expected to be involved in extracurricular clubs as part of the Diploma Challenge

​

Extra-Curricular Clubs

​

• Music (inc. Music tech, choir, orchestra, pop choir)
• Sports (inc. rugby, netball, football, cricket, softball, table tennis, rounders, tennis,basketball, badminton)
• Creative writing
• Photography
• Crochet
• Engineering
• Chess
• Art
• Digital game development
• Debate
• History
• Environmental group
• Board games/Friendship

​

• ​

Music Lessons

​

• Lessons are now only provided through Bucks Music Trust who employ teachers selected on their talent and ability to inspire pupils.

​

• Lessons will happen during the school day on a weekly rotation in order to minimize disruption to your son/daughter’s curriculum education.
• Further details and the signing up form can be found on the New Year 7 Information Site. 

​

Homework Club

Monday – Thursday 3:30-5pm

in the Library

​

Pastoral & Wellbeing Support

​

The House System

​

House & Pastoral Leadership

​

In Year 7, each House has:

​

• Head of Year 7
• Head of House (HOH)
• Deputy Head of House (DHOH)
• Form Tutors

​

Pastoral Team has:

​

• Full time Administrators for each key stage – available for parents to contact

​

Pastoral Support & Wellbeing

​

​

Miss White

Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Wellbeing Manager

Mrs Vig

Student Welfare Officer

• Mental Health First Aiders – staff members who can identify and support students in difficulty
• Peer Education Project – All news students will take part in the MHF PEP course outlining how positive mental health supports for all students.
• BGS Student Mind Ambassadors

The data on referrals to student MIND ambassadors again serves to demonstrate the positive impact of this programme. I particularly appreciated the broad understanding that students have of allyship and its importance in challenging discrimination and ensuring that everyone feels they belong

​

Gold Pupil Wellbeing Award June 2025

​

​

There is a strong focus on supporting positive mental health in pupils and staff. Some older students receive training as ‘Mind Ambassadors’. Different coloured lanyards indicate trained mental health champions. Pupils appreciate being able to seek support from their peers as well as from adults

​

Ofsted Dec 2022

​

SEND Support

​

​

• Ever student is supported to achieve their full potential
• If your child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), we offer:
• Early identification and support through collaboration with parents and previous schools
• Access to our SEND Team and pastoral team
• Individual Learning Support plans where appropriate
• In-class strategies and reasonable adjustments to support learning
• Small group or targeted interventions when needed
• Close communication with families to ensure the nest support for each student
• Links with external specialists and services where appropriate
• Our aim:
• To ensure every student feels supported, confident, and able to thrive both academically and personally

​

Key Year 7 Induction Events 2026

​

Key Induction Events

Transition Day

​

Transition Day - 7^th July 2026

​

• Students will attend a series of lessons throughout the school day
• Further information regarding timings for the day will be shared nearer the time
• ALL students will have access to a free 2-course lunch on the day. (menu TBC). Bring your own packed lunch if you prefer

​

Summer Camp

​

Summer Camp - 23^rd to 27^th July 2026

​

• Three-days 
• Team building, social interaction activities and Embracing Challenge 
• A carousel of interactive activities.
• Sessions with members of staff from different departments to increase familiarity in the school
• Opportunity to explore the school, meet potential classmates and reduce any anxieties

​

First Day in School�3rd September

​

First Day – Thursday 3^rd September 2026�

• Only Year 7 & 12 are in on this day
• Welcome Assembly: Headteacher, SLT, Heads of House / Head of Year 7
• Lockers
• Orientation; including locating form and teaching rooms
• Practise using the canteen and card systems
• Team building activities and opportunities to work on Responsible Learning skills 

​

​

​

​

Longridge

​

Longridge – Year 7 activity days

Date: September 2026

• Teambuilding activities, Embracing Challenge, developing Resilience, Responsible Learning and practising being a Kind and Caring Individual in a practical environment
• Evening meal provided
• Great way to get to know other members of Year 7 and make friends across the year group
• There is a place available for every Year 7 student – we would encourage all students to go on the trip
• Located in Marlow

​

Dragonboat Giant Swing Climbing Laser Tag Leap of Faith Rafting Canoeing

Kayaking Jacob’s Ladder Water Orbs Go Karts

​

​

New Year 7 Information Site 2026

​

This is your One Stop Shop for ALL of the information that you will need

Please let us know if you cannot easily find an important piece of information

​

Year 7 Information Site for Parents

Uniform�SWI & the Website

Please visit the webpage or the information site for details on required items of branded, non-branded and optional uniform

​

Plain black trainers with logos are NOT part of the school uniform

Estimated Costs When Starting BGS

• Chromebook up to £500*
• Uniform £140
• Required sports kit £85
• Pencil case, school bag & calculator £20
• Additional sports kit (trainers & boots) £75
• Summer Camp £65 - £75
• Longridge Team Building £150
• At BGS we use ParentPay as a method of payment for all trips and School dinners
• You will receive activation details for ParentPay towards the end of May. Once you have activated your account you can make payments for trips assigned to your child.

​

Estimated Total up to £1000

Please do not purchase any uniform or kit yet.

However, we recommend budgeting for the upcoming school year.

​

Free School Meals & Pupil Premium

​

If you are receipt of any of the following benefits your child may qualify for free school meals:

Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Scheme
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Students in receipt of free school meals have funds loaded on to their cards in the same way as other students and cannot be identified.
• Registering for free school meals would also raise extra Pupil Premium funding for the school that will directly benefit your child’s education.

​

Free School Meals from September 2026

​

• Parents need to apply for Free School Meals when joining secondary school 

​

• Eligibility no longer automatically transfers from Primary School.

​

• "Transitional Protection" is due to end this academic year but not yet confirmed.

​

• Once confirmed, it means there will be periodic re-checks on a yearly basis for students eligible  from September 2026

​

• Free School Meals eligibility will no longer be protected until Year 11.

​

​

If you have any questions please email:�admissions@burnhamgrammar.org.uk

​