Dear Year 6 Parents/Carers,
The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College are delighted to welcome your child as a Year 7 student, from September 2026. We are excited that you and your son/daughter have chosen to be part of our school community. Together we strive to ensure high standards of academic success as well as creating opportunities for them to flourish emotionally, socially and spiritually.
We recommend you familiarize yourself with our school website https://ems.bhcet.org.uk/ where you will find extensive information including information regarding school uniform and term dates. The start of term for academic year 2026/27 is Wednesday 2nd September 2026 at 8.45am.
Free School Meals
Since April 2018 Free School Meals have been protected whilst universal credit was rolled out. At the end of 2025/26 Academic year Free School Meals are no longer protected, therefore your child’s eligibly will be reassessed at the end of their current phase of education. This will automatically be completed by the Benefits Team before your child joins English Martyrs, and we will be informed if your child continues to be eligible for free school meals. If you have any queries relating to this, please contact the benefits team on 01429 284188. If your child is not currently in receipt of Free School Meals and you wish to apply, you can do so by using the link below.
https://hartlepool-self.achieveservice.com/service/Free_School_Meals___apply
Our extensive Transition Programme includes working with you and your child's Primary School so that the move to Secondary School is smooth. There are some important dates for your diary so that you are fully informed of transition activities and key requirements.
Uniform can also be ordered online at https://www.michaelsehgal.co.uk/schools/the-english-martyrs-catholic-school-and-sixth-form-college/. The site is secure, and orders can be placed quickly and safely, direct. Alternatively, you can order from Michael Sehgal and sons Ltd direct by phone 0191 230 2320. We recommend that you place your uniform order by 31st July 2026 to ensure delivery in time for the beginning of the school year. Whilst every effort will be made to satisfy all orders, Michael Sehgal cannot guarantee delivery for orders placed after this date.
Tuesday 14th July, 3.30-6.30pm - Year 6 Parent’s Evening
This is an opportunity to learn about what to expect when your child joins The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College community, meet their tutor and other school staff and collect further information. There will also be staff on hand to support you in accessing the Arbor App. Students will be allocated a tutor group prior to the parents evening on 14th July.
Monday 13th – Thursday 16th July - Transition Days
Year 6 students will spend four days at The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College, your child will have the opportunity to become familiar with their new environment, spend time with their new tutor group, and meet fellow students. They will participate in a variety of activities and taster lessons designed to help them feel comfortable and excited about this next stage of their education.
During the transition days, students are expected to arrive at the school no later than 8:45am, as the day’s activities will begin promptly at 9:00am. The school day will conclude at 2:30pm. Students should wear their Primary School Uniform during their transition days. Students can bring a packed lunch or can have a free school lunch (we do not allow any food that contains nuts).
To facilitate a smooth and safe pickup process, St Anne's car park will have a designated 'Y6 Zone' where parents and carers can collect their children. This is the carpark directly beside the school and runs alongside Catcote Road. However, it is essential that we know how your child will be returning home each day. Therefore, we kindly ask you to complete and return the enclosed consent form, indicating your child’s transportation arrangements.
If your child has any additional or SEND needs, we have an enhanced Transition offer in June and there will be opportunities for you to meet with our SEND and Student Support Team. If you wish to contact our SENCO Mrs Spears about your child, her email address is kspears@ems.bhcet.org.uk
We look forward to meeting your child during our transition events. If you have any concerns or queries regarding transition, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Gray, Assistant Headteacher at the school or via email transition@ems.bhcet.org.uk if you have any further questions.
Yours faithfully
Head of School
