School Transitions

Throughout a pupil’s academic journey—from Nursery to Primary and then onto Secondary—we carefully plan transition events to help prepare them for the next stage of their education.

Our aim is to make these transitions as smooth and positive as possible, ensuring pupils feel confident, supported, and ready for the changes ahead.

These events provide opportunities to:

• Meet their new teachers and classmates
• Explore their new learning environment
• Ask questions and build confidence
• Celebrate achievements and milestones

By working closely with families and our young people, we ensure every child experiences a successful and reassuring move to their next stage of learning.

Nursery to P1 Transition

We understand that moving on to primary school is a big step. That’s why we have a transition programme in place to support children in their pre-school year. This includes visits to primary classrooms, opportunities to meet teachers, and activities designed to build confidence and readiness for the next stage of learning.

We hold an open event usually in November, before the PKC online enrolment opens in January. The purpose of the session is to inform and support parents on their child’s transition and to assist them in the choice of Mainstream or Gaelic Medium Education. Parents attend a presentation, followed by a tour of the Primary setting, giving them the chance to meet and speak with the P1 and GME 1-3 teachers.

One of the highlights of our transition programme is our Moving Up Mornings, held in June. During this special morning our preschool children—spend time in their new classroom with their new teacher. Children joining us for Primary 1 from other nurseries are also invited, making this a fantastic opportunity for the whole class to meet, build friendships, and explore their new learning environment. They also enjoy having lunch in the Primary lunch hall, helping them feel comfortable and confident with the routines of school life.

P7 to S1 Transition

For Primary 7 pupils at Breadalbane Academy, and our feeder Primary schools, we arrange a series of events throughout their P7 year to prepare them for the move up to secondary school.

Starting in October we host a Faculty Showcase Evening where parents and prospective pupils are invited to tour the school and meet staff after attending a presentation from the Headteacher.

The highlight of our transition programme is undoubtedly the residential trip to Comrie Croft. Pupils take part in a variety of exciting activities that help provide a great opportunity to make new friends in advance of the move to S1.

The last stage of the transition programme is when pupils attend Breadalbane Academy for 2 days in June. The purpose of this visit is to ensure that all pupils have an opportunity to follow 2 days of their new timetable and meet some of their new subject teachers. This part of the transition programme also helps with orientation around the school and gives pupils an idea about what school will be like in August.

Supporting Pitlochry Pupils in Their Transition to Breadalbane

Moving from Pitlochry High School to Breadalbane Academy for S5 and S6 is an exciting step, but we understand it can feel daunting for pupils and their families. To make this transition as smooth and positive as possible, we begin the journey early and provide plenty of opportunities for pupils to feel confident about their move.

Our transition programme includes:

• Welcome Visit – S4 pupils and their parents are invited to Breadalbane to meet our Senior Leadership Team and Principal Teachers, and to tour the school and campus.
• Experience Breadalbane – Pupils return for a day to meet staff and experience what life at Breadalbane looks like.
• Parental Support – Our Senior Leadership Team attends the S4 Parents’ Evening at Pitlochry to answer questions and provide reassurance.
• Course Choice Guidance – Our Guidance Team meets with pupils and parents for individual course choice interviews.
• Further Opportunities – Pupils can engage with events such as the Careers Fair and ongoing support from Skills Development Scotland and our Careers Advisor.

We are working closely with the Senior Leadership Team at Pitlochry High School to strengthen this process and ensure the best possible experience for our learners.