Sent to parents and carers on 10/09/26
Year 6 Open Evening & Early Close: Thursday 1st October 2026
We are delighted to be hosting our annual Open Evening for Year 6 pupils and their parents on Thursday 1st October from 16:00 – 18:30. The main purpose of the evening is to give prospective pupils and parents an opportunity to visit the academy, meet with our staff and students and experience many aspects of the life and work of Westbourne.
In July, we delivered copies of our Open Evening invitation and information to all new Year 6 pupils at Castle Hill Juniors, Dale Hall, Handford Hall, Springfield Juniors, St Matthews, Whitehouse and The Beeches. If you have younger children at other primary schools who are currently in Year 6 and who are moving up to secondary school in September 2027, then please do come and see us on the night. However, for the safety of our staff, and to ease congestion around the building, please could students, younger and older siblings (unless they are student guides/helpers) remain at home?
Once again, we are also offering parents of Year 6 pupils an opportunity to have a tour of the academy during the school day. These will take place daily up until half term, starting on Monday 12 October and will start at 09:00 or 10:00, lasting just under one hour. To book a place, please email Mrs Cooper (PA to the Principal) on leah.cooper@attrust.org.uk. Due to the fact that Year 6 pupils would normally be in school at this time, the school day tours are for parents and carers only.
Applications for transfer to high school in the normal year of admission are dealt with through Suffolk County Council’s Admissions Team. Further details and guidance on applying for a high school place can be found on our academy website on our Admissions page. Pupils who are subsequently offered a place at Westbourne Academy by the local authority will be invited to take part in two taster days on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June 2027.
Student Helpers & Guides
During the evening, pupils and parents will be able to visit displays and exhibitions, as well as see students working with teachers in classrooms and other areas. Student guides will be available to show visitors around and to give them their perspective of life at the academy.
Subject areas will be inviting students to act as helpers for them during the evening and we will also be recruiting a number of student guides. Subject ambassadors will be given subject specific consent letters to take home for parents. Consent for student guides will be sent by email as and when we have collected expressions of interest in tutor time this week. If you have a younger sibling that your older child would like to show around, please encourage them to put their name forward with their form tutor.
Early Close
In order for academy staff and our estates team to prepare and clean all facilities and classrooms, the academy day will end at the slightly earlier time of 13:20 on Thursday 1 October. As a result, there will be no after school clubs on this day. If your child is collected from school, please note the change of time. Students who are eligible for free school meals will need to get their food at morning break as there will be no lunchtime service.
Thank you for your support and understanding and, if you are considering Westbourne Academy for September 2027 for your child, my colleagues and I look forward to seeing you on the night.
Regards
Mrs M Woodhouse
Vice Principal
Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.
Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.
General queries to: wes-office@attrust.org.uk or 01473 742315