Year 7 Information September 2026

Hello from Miss Cairns

I am so pleased that you will be joining Bishops’ this September. Bishops’ is an exciting place to be, and it is a privilege to be part of every child’s journey with us. My vision for all children who attend Bishops’ is that through their engagement in society, at Bishops’ and beyond, they will make a positive difference through their wise actions, resilience, and sense of responsibility. We know, nurture, and inspire our community to be the best version of themselves through a better understanding of the Christian faith, our core values, and a rich set of opportunities.

Miss Cairns
Headteacher

Life at Bishops'

Key Dates

Summer TermTransition begins!

A member of our pastoral team will meet with your child at their primary school or by invitation to talk about transition and answer any questions they may have. Information will also be requested from their Year 6 teacher, so we have as much information at possible to support their transition.

Deadline to confirm place at Bishops'April 24th

Please ensure that you confirm your child’s place with us directly. This allows us to add you to our mailing list so that you receive all important school updates. As we have a large waiting list, it is essential that you let us know promptly if your child will not be joining us. In this case, you must also inform the Local Authority.

Small Schools Event (Invite only)May 20th

An opportunity to meet others from schools with small intakes.

Application Deadline May 29th

Deadline to complete admission information via the Applicaa Portal

Year 7 Information EveningJune 10th 6.30pm

Our information evening is an opportunity to meet key members of staff, and for you and your child to look around our campus and ask any questions about life at Bishops’.

Meet your Form TutorMonday June 29th

You will have the opportunity to have a short meeting with your child’s form tutor, they will get to know more about your child and you can ask any questions you may have. You will receive further information about how you can make an appointment for this event nearer the time. Monkhouse will also be selling uniform at this event.

Year 7 Induction Day - Tuesday June 30th

In the Summer term there will be an opportunity to spend a day in school and meet new classmates, form tutor and key members of staff in person. Information about this day will be shared nearer the time.

First Day of School - September 3rd

The first day as a student at The Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High School! All other year groups, except for Sixth Form, will start term on Friday 4th September. Thursday is focused on induction and is a great opportunity to get to know the campus even more, understand the timings of the school day and meet teachers and new classmates.

Year 7 Residential Trip to Menai

October 14th – 16th

The Year 7 Residential Trip is a fantastic opportunity for students to begin their secondary school journey. All Year 7 students are encouraged to attend, as the trip helps build friendships, confidence, and strong relationships with form tutors and staff through a range of engaging group activities.

FAQs

The School Day

How long is the school day?

The school day begins at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm

How long is break and lunchtime?

Students typically have a morning break and extended lunchtime. Visit https://bishopschester.co.uk/years-7-11/the-school-day/ to see what a typical day at Bishops’ is like.

How many form groups are there?

We have up to 8 form groups, each named after a part of our school or local history, Hunter, Dee, Grosvenor, Coppack, Lane, Stratford, Windosr and Bishops’. Form time includes tutor group worship and form time activities.

How big are the class sizes?

Our class sizes do not exceed 30 and for a large number of classes, as students progress up the school, our class sizes get smaller as students begin to specialise in subjects at GCSE and A Level. This ensures each individual is known, nurtured and inspired in their class time so they excel.

What practical subjects will I study in Year 7?

You will study Art, Design and Technology, Food and Nutrition, Physical Education. You will also get the opportunity to take part in practical experiments in Science.

What languages do you teach?

When students join Bishops’ they get the opportunity to study either Spanish or French, and continue with that language until Year 9. At GCSE and A Level students can study either French or Spanish.

Catering

Can I bring a packed lunch?

Yes – students can bring a packed lunch. Most students’ do use our catering facilities. We have three dedicated dining spaces (Canteen, Bistro and Huddle). There is a wide and varied menu with lots of healthy options to choose from. Click here for more information.

I’m a vegetarian, will there be veggie options?

Yes, we have a wide range of freshly prepared hot and cold meals which include lots of choice for students with various dietary requirements.

How do I pay for my dinners?

We have a cashless system. Parents and carers can top-up their child’s lunch account online via the School Gateway. Students can then use their pin number to load their account at the till and pay for their meal, snack or drink. We also use the online payment system to pay for school trips and activities.

First day in school

What will the first day of school be like?

When the autumn term begins in September 2026 the first day is dedicated to Year 7 students only. Year 7 have the first day of school all to themselves. This will give them an opportunity to explore the campus, meet their form tutor, get to know their form more, learn their timetable and begin to settle into the new routines of life at Bishops’.

What will I need on my first day in school?

On your first day you will need to bring the following. Pencil case, pencils, pen, rubber, ruler, protractor, calculator, colouring pencils, and a bottle of water. You will not need to bring your PE kit in for the first day of school.

Where do I go if I need help?

There are a number of people to talk to if you need help. If it is a problem with a subject, your subject teacher will be available to support you. If you want to speak with someone or just need some extra support your Form Tutor, Year Leader or Pastoral Support Officer are there to help. There are also plenty of adults and older students to ask if you need help.

Will I get lost?

It can be daunting when you first start as you will be moving from class to class and building to building. Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the school during your transition day as well as on the first day of term in September. On your first day only Year 7 students will be on-site. It will give you an opportunity to get to know your form group, form tutor and find your way around the school. In the mean time go to our Virtual 3D tour above to familiarise yourself with the school

Homework and Remote Learning

Will I get homework and how much will I get?

Students will receive homework for all their subjects. Homework is set online via the homework app ‘Satchel One’. It can be accessed on a computer or through the app. Students will be shown how to access their homework on their first few days in school. Parents and carers are able to monitor and check their child’s progress through their own parental profile. Students will typically receive 2 or 3 subject homework’s per day.

Extra-curricular

What sports can I do at Bishops’?

We have a wide range of sports available for students to take part in. Girls can take part in football, netball, gymnastics, rounders, tennis and athletics. Boys can take part in rugby, football, tennis, cricket and athletics.

What extra-curricular clubs do you have?

We have a number of clubs which happen during lunchtime and after school. These include Art club, Retro Gaming, Soul Academy, Vox, Pneuma Dance, Animal Care, Debates club, Narnia, Chess club, and Prayer group. These clubs are updated every year, your form tutor will share with you the lunch time and after school club timetable.