Transition to high school

Beginning high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change, and we ensure every child feels confident and supported throughout this transition.

The Keira Community of Schools provides strong continuity of learning from Stage 3 to Stage 4. Year 5 and 6 students engage with Keira through STEM COS activities, the Keirabald portrait competition, the Excelsior Cup and a variety of taster and orientation days.

Keira High School also welcomes students from many different primary schools. Across six years of secondary education, they enjoy the full range of opportunities and experiences our school provides.

At Keira, we empower student growth and wellbeing through a transformative Public Education. We prepare students to be active, informed global and community citizens by championing equitable opportunities that reflect and respect our diverse communities. Acting with courage, we value every individual’s knowledge and experience, working as a committed learning community to nurture, develop, and advocate for a future of choice for every student.

A strong start in 2026

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Our Year 7's from 2025 feature in a welcome message for the new Year 7's in 2026.

What to expect at Keira High school

Class Sizes – Reduced in Year 7

At Keira, we understand that the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is a pivotal stage in your child’s education. Just as students benefit from smaller class sizes when starting kindergarten, we believe the same support is vital as they enter high school. That’s why we prioritise resources to ensure reduced class sizes in all Year 7 classes, giving every student the strongest possible start to their secondary education.

Adding Value for Every Student, Every Year

Our school community is committed to ensuring growth for every student, every year. Through a strategic and focused approach, we set clear learning expectations for all students, closely monitor progress, and deliver targeted support. This process is central to our 2024–2028 School Excellence Plan.

Excel Class at Keira High School

Is your child a high achiever? Do they enjoy extending their knowledge and skills? Are they motivated to excel? If so, the Keira High School Excel Class may be the right choice for them.

Keira High School offers a Year 7 Excel Class for eligible students who thrive in an environment that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and determination to succeed. The program provides a differentiated learning experience, designed to challenge students while supporting their personal growth. Contact us if you are interested in submitting an application for your child in the excel class next year.

Personalised Learning

Our Personalised Learning and Engagement team works closely with teachers, students, and families to create tailored learning experiences. Students track their own goals and progress through an Individual Learning Portfolio, helping them experience success, build essential skills, and grow in confidence.

Peer Support

As part of the transition program, Year 6 students connect with Year 10 Peer Support Leaders before starting high school. In Year 7, they are further supported by Year 11 Peer Support Leaders who run activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The program begins with a focus on kindness and respectful relationships, while also fostering leadership skills among senior students.

High school brings new experiences and routines, including:

• A larger school environment with more subjects, teachers, and classrooms

• A varied timetable with different lessons each day

• Moving between classrooms and managing books and equipment

• Greater independence and responsibility for homework and study

• New friendships and opportunities to join activities, clubs, and teams

Before your child starts Year 7

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal or deputy principal. This is a time to share:

• medical conditions or allergies
• family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
• any learning or wellbeing needs.

We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:

• support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
• extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.

Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.

Our transition program

We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7.  Activities may include:

• orientation days and school tours
• parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
• subject tasters and classroom visits
• peer support activities with older students.

Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Contact us to learn more.

Getting ready at home

You can help your child prepare by:

• talking positively about starting high school
• buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
• checking if a laptop or device is needed
• practising their travel route to school
• making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
• encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
• encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.

Have a question for us?

Our friendly office team can help.

Contact us