We caught up with a number of new Year 7 students to find out how they were settling in and what they thought of their new school. Looking incredibly smart in their new uniforms, it was clear to see that they were already happy and settled. And they were super keen to share stories of why they were all so happy to be at their new school!
All were quick to point out that they had attended Friendship Day, Summer School and Walton Firs Activity Centre and agreed that each had proved to be the perfect time to meet new friends, familiarise themselves with the school building and have some fun bonding with both students and staff. Interestingly, they also pointed out that the school day at Southborough seemed ‘shorter’ than at primary school. When asked to elaborate, they said that the nature of the secondary school day being highly structured and varied –and having to move from room to room between lessons- made the day more interesting and fun. And as the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun!
According to the boys, the complete transition package—including Friendship Day, Welcome Day, Summer School, and the Walton Firs activity day—provided the perfect opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school surroundings, dive into exciting new subjects, meet our friendly staff, and build lasting friendships.
A Supportive Community & Free Extra-Curricular Clubs
The boys all spoke incredibly highly of their Head of Year, describing them as warm, approachable, and deeply supportive. They noted that making friends both inside and outside the classroom was incredibly easy, particularly for those who took advantage of Southborough's wide variety of extra-curricular clubs. From drama and chess to history, the boys were delighted to discover that all extra-curricular clubs at Southborough are completely free of charge, everyone could come along! Unknown
For many of our Year 7s, the school day starts early. A number of the boys explained that they love getting to school super early each morning just to play football on the AstroTurf or practise their skills in the cricket nets. The boys emphasized that regardless of sporting ability, the PE staff are exceptionally encouraging, ensuring everyone has a go and providing excellent training sessions to boost personal confidence.
Exciting Subjects and Inspiring Staff
The academic transition has been a highlight of the year. In Science, the boys have loved conducting hands-on experiments, which included growing crystals, designing parachutes, crushing cans, and testing acids! Creativity has thrived in Design Technology (DT), where students have crafted their own key fobs and tote bags, while Food Technology has proven a firm favourite for baking delicious treats—including some spectacular cakes.
A major point echoed by all the boys was the overwhelming feeling that the teachers and support staff are genuinely "on their side." While firm and fair, the staff are distinctly kind, approachable, and entirely committed to helping each student succeed.
Of course, the boys candidly added that homework can sometimes be tricky—after all, excellent learning requires effort! However, they agreed that the subject departments plan the workload evenly across the timetable, so homework levels are manageable.
They even found the benefits in our three Pre-Public Exam (PPE) periods held throughout the year. While the daily exams required high levels of concentration and focus, each exam week was rewarded with a full day of high-energy Interform sports (such as football or rugby) and a half-day off. In the boys' own words: "Result!"
Looking Forward to Every Day (and the Food!)
While each student has developed their own favourite subject—spanning English, Drama, PE, and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)—they were unanimous in agreeing that coming into Southborough is something they genuinely look forward to every single day. Another massive bonus? The food served in the dining hall, which features a wide variety of both hot and cold options, was delicious!
A Final Message to Our Incoming Year 6 Students
We asked the boys what final piece of advice they would give to the Year 6 students joining us this September:
Thank You!
A huge thank you to Pranish, Jacob, Finlay, Oliver and Freddie for taking time out of their busy schedules to chat with us and for sending such reassuring words to our upcoming cohort!
At Southborough, we know that our structured, carefully designed transition programme enables all new Year 7 students to experience a positive, happy, and successful start to secondary school life.
Want to see our school in action? Come and experience the Southborough culture for yourself at our upcoming Open Evening and Open Day tours!
