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Starting with us in Year 7 - Useful Information for Parents
I am delighted that your son/ward has been allocated his chosen place at our Outstanding Academy for September.
On this page you'll find lots of helpful resources to help you make the transition from your primary school to HBAED.
Most of you will already have visited us before, but perhaps you can't remember too much about the school or what it looked like. Don't worry! On this page we're going to add lots of useful information about the school to help you feel at home when you join us in September.
We very much look forward to welcoming you to our thriving school community.
Chris Brett, Principal
What happens next?
To support the transition process, we have the following events taking place:
- Transition Day – On Wednesday 2nd July 2025. All Year 6 students will attend a transition day where they get to meet teachers and experience lessons. More details will follow nearer the time.
- Sports Tournaments – A range of tournaments including Football, Basketball and Cricket afterschool. More information to follow with dates.
- Academy Visits – Specifically for students with EHCPs or SEND one-to-one visits are organised by our SENCOs. Mrs Price or Miss Dixon will be in touch with you individually about this
- Uniform Sale – Our Uniform suppliers Stevensons, are available at the Academy on Monday 7th July from 4-6pm. All uniform will be available to size and purchase at this event. You can buy online or at their shop in Croydon at any time. To order online visit our uniform page.
Exciting opportunity – HBAED Top Talent bursary pathways
Students in Year 7 have the opportunity to apply for one of our Top Talent Bursary Pathways. These are specific programmes that students will undertake during Year 7-11 at the Academy, where they get to specialise in their chosen area and receive incredible extra provision.
We offer Bursaries in eight different focus areas:
- Cricket - In collaboration with Surrey County Cricket Club, 360 Cricket and ACE
- Football
- Basketball
- Music
- Art
- Drama
- Science
- Maths
Watch the film below to find out more, or click HERE to see the Bursary booklet. Details of the sign-up process will follow soon.
Transition booklet for families
Click HERE to read our transition booklet for families. This handbook offers key information and guidance to help ensure a smooth and positive transition for your son from Year 6 to Year 7 at Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, and we look forward to supporting your son’s successful start
Taster day - Wednesday 2nd July
Wednesday 2nd July 2025 is our Taster Day for all our new students. We are delighted to be able to invite all our new year 7 students to come and spend the day with us on site before they join us in September.
The day will start at 9:30am. Please ensure students and parents arrive at the Student Gate (playground) between 9:15am and 9:30am. Parents to collect students at 3.15pm from Student Gate.
You are all invited to attend the introduction from Mr Chris Brett, Principal, and the Parents’ Information Event. This Event is scheduled to start promptly from 9.30am – 10am at the Assembly Hall.
Students should wear their primary school uniform (if they have one) and bring trainers with them for the day. We will provide lunch for all the students but please feel free to send in a packed lunch if you wish. Please also ensure you let us know of any allergies that we need to be aware of. We have water fountains here, but we would suggest you also provide a drink – a refillable water bottle would be best but please do not send anything in a glass bottle or any energy/high sugar drinks.
If your son/ward requires emergency medication, i.e.asthma pump or EpiPen, please make sure he brings it and he always has it. Thank you.
ParentPay - cashless payments
The academy uses a cashless catering system for the canteen purchases. We will send you an activation letter with details of how to create your ParentPay account. Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to parents on how to activate the ParentPay account.
Start of term dates for Year 7
Year 7 students will start at the Academy on Wednesday 3rd September. The first day will run from 8.15am-1.35pm, finishing slightly earlier than our normal timing to allow for some additional staff training. Students need to be on-site by 8.15am in full school uniform.
The rest of the students will not return until Thursday 4th September 2025, giving the new students a chance to settle in. From Thursday 4th September 2025 the normal school day will be Monday to Thursday 8.15am-3.05pm and Friday 8.15am-2.20pm.
Uniform
See our Uniform page for details of our uniform supplier and how to order, including details of our Uniform Exchange, at which we offer items of second-hand uniform for very low prices.
There will also be a pop-up uniform shop at the academy selling school uniform on 7th July 2025 4-6pm.
Free school meals - how to apply
Please download and complete the free school meals application form if you believe you have a statutory entitlement to free school meals.
Download the free school meals application form
Registering for free meals could also raise an extra £900 per student for the school, to fund valuable support like extra tuition, additional teaching staff or after-school activities. Please complete the form and email it to Yvonne Banton-Anibaba Y.Banton-Anibaba@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk, along with any supporting documents.
Summer reading list
Click here to see your summer reading list.
You'll also find your first task as a Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich student!
FAQs - Year 7 Guide to Starting at Harris Boys’ Academy
Below are some of the FAQs raised by parents. We hope you find this helpful.
How will my child be supported with transition?
There are many ways we will support your child to make the transition as easy and enjoyable as possible.
- In March, we invite parents to have a tea and the Senior Leadership Team, which is a great opportunity to visit the Academy, meet the Senior Leadership Team informally, and connect with other parents.
- On Transition Day in July we invite all our new Year 7 students to come and spend the day with us on site before they join us in September.
- Year 7 students will start at the Academy in September a day before other students, giving the new students a chance to settle in.
- There will be extended lunch breaks for the first three weeks.
- We have a dedicated Year 7 welfare staff member, Mr Cooper g.cooper@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk, who you can contact if you have any queries or concerns.
Which tie colour do I need to buy?
You don't need to buy a tie. The Academy will provide a new tie to all Year 7 students on their first day.
If I want to buy a spare tie, which colour do I need to buy?
Unfortunately, you will have to wait until their first day to find out the colour.
When will I know the form group?
Students are told their form group in September.
Are there any activities scheduled during the summer?
Not during the summer holiday. Our Transition Day, however, takes place in the summer term, on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Is the bursary the same as a scholarship?
Bursary is exclusive to HBAED and provides access to additional opportunities within the school. Scholarship is selective and it is run through the Federation; it requires an application and interview.
Does the bursary have limited spaces?
No, but we do try to keep numbers even. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.
Can we only apply for one bursary?
Yes, only one.
Is there a deadline to apply for bursaries?
September, but please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Is Stevensons the only uniform supplier?
Yes. But we also run uniform exchange/second hand event. There is a second-hand uniform sale, 14th and 15th April 2025, 10am – 3pm.
What are the house names and what do their colours represent?
The names of our hubs and corresponding colours are:
- Active Science – Red
- Enterprise – Green
- Creative Voice – Purple
- World Studies – Yellow
When will I be coming to Harris Boys’ Academy?
Year 7 students will start at the Academy on Wednesday 3rd September. The first day will run from 8.15am-1.35pm, finishing slightly earlier than our normal timing to allow for some additional staff training. Students need to be on-site by 8.15am in full school uniform.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring the blue Harris school bag. Also you will need your own personal learning equipment including black, blue, red and green pens, pencils, ruler, pencil and sharpener.
How will I enter the Academy?
On Wednesday 3rd September, you will enter the Academy grounds via the student gate on Peckham Rye. Once you have entered you will be directed to the Year 7 area. You will then need to line up in the allocated area for Year 7s, but don’t worry as there will be lots of staff on hand to help you find your way.
What lessons will I have?
On Wednesday 3rd September 2025, after a welcome session delivered by your tutor and an assembly led by the Principal, you will follow your normal timetable of lessons. This means you will get to meet a selection of your teachers and start your learning journey straight away. Please note that you will not need your PE kit for the first day and that you will receive your full timetable on your second day at the school.
What will happen at break and lunchtime?
We are pleased that for the first day ONLY we will provide all students with lunch. We do suggest that you bring an additional bottle of water or juice (not fizzy drinks) in case the weather continues to be very warm. From Wednesday 4 September (next day), you will be able to purchase a hot meal at lunchtime so please ensure your ParentPay account is kept topped up (ParentPay log-ins will be emailed to all Year 7 parents on the first day – 3rd Sep 2025). Students who are in receipt of free school meals will receive their lunch in the normal way. Please also feel free to bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water if preferred.
Can my son wear a winter jacket? And which colours are allowed?
Yes, winter jackets are allowed in the Academy. They must be plain dark blue or black, with no logos or images. Students should remove their jackets when inside the Academy. Please label the jackets with your child's name to prevent loss or mix-ups.
Do you provide Halal food?
Yes, the menu runs on a three-weekly cycle and includes halal and non-halal options. For more information please visit our school meals page.
How much is the meal?
Currently, the meal value is £2.68.
How will my child purchase lunch?
The academy uses a cashless catering system for the canteen and other purchases. We will give all Year 7 students a 4-digit pin for their payments. Once you received the ParentPay activation letter, please make sure you make the top-up.
