Starting 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 look forward to welcoming your son/ward in September and supporting him to thrive academically, personally, and socially as he begins his journey with us.
Chris Brett, Principal
Read our Outstanding Ofsted report
Transition handbook for families
Our transition booklet 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.
Read our Transition Handbook for families
Thank you for taking the time to read it, and we look forward to supporting your son’s successful start.
What happens next? Events for your diary
To support the transition process, we have the following events, to which you are warmly invited.
School production, Our House, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th March 2026, 6.30pm. Our annual school performance this year is Our House, featuring music by Madness. We would love for any prospective students and parents for Year 7 to come andsee this fantastic performance. If you would like to attend, simply email Ms Bee c.bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk to reserve your places. Then just turn up, pay on the door, and sit back and enjoy the show!
Tea with the Senior Leadership Team, Monday 16th March 2026, 4.15pm. This is an opportunity to come to the Academy and informally meet our Senior Leadership Team, along with other parents and carers. We will have treats, and a range of activities for all families to enjoy. This is a wonderful chance to get to know our community, ask any questions you may have, and begin building positive connections as your son/ward prepares to start his journey with us.
Transition Day, Wednesday 1st July 2026. 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. You will be invited to attend football, basketball and cricket tournaments after school. Please arrive at 3:30pm for a 3:45pm start. Students must bring trainers, water bottle, PE kit/sports kit, and any medical (eg inhaler/epi-pen). 5:00pm finish.
- Tuesday 7th July - Indoor Football tournament
- Thursday 9th July- Indoor Cricket tournament
- Tuesday 14th July- Basketball tournament
Academy visits specifically for students with EHCPs or SEND. These are one-to-one visits are organised by our SENCO, Ms Dixon, who will be in touch with you individually about this.
Uniform sale, Monday 6th July 2026, 4-6pm. Our uniform supplier Stevensons, will be available at the Academy, with uniform for your child to try on, for sizing. You can purchase at this event or from their online shop. You can also buy from at their shop in Croydon. Visit our Uniform page for full details.
Start of term arrangements
Year 7 students will start at the Academy on Wednesday 2nd September 2026. 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 3rd September 2026, giving the new students a chance to settle in. From Thursday 3rd September 2026 the normal school day will be Monday to Thursday 8.15am-3.05pm and Friday 8.15am-2.20pm.
Some useful contacts
- For medical/allergies information please contact Ms Butler C.Butler@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
- Our SENCO, Ms Dixon, will start to communicate with parents of children with SEND by email c.dixon@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
- For Safeguarding please contact Mr Stow safeguarding@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
- For Bursaries information (see below) please contact Mr Edwards Bursaries@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
- For Free School Meals application please contact Ms Banton Y.Banton-Anibaba@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
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.
Watch the film below to find out more, or visit the Top Talent Bursaries page. Details of the sign-up process will follow soon.
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
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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.
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.
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!
Frequently asked questions
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.
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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?
No, not during the summer holiday.
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.
Why we don't do a banding test?
At Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich, we removed the banding test six years ago from our admissions policy. Our admissions criteria are listed in our policy, but the most important is the straight line distance from the school. Students are allocated places based on this and we naturally have a diverse and unique intake of children each year due to our location.
Is Stevensons the only uniform supplier?
Stevensons is our official uniform supplier. However, we also run a uniform exchange/second‑hand event three to four times a year, where families can obtain good‑quality pre‑loved uniform items. See our Uniform page.
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 2nd September 2026. 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 2nd September 2026, 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 2nd September 2026, 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 the next day on, 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). 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 £2.76.
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. See our Using ParenPay page.