Transition
Thank you for choosing The Bulwell Academy for the next stage of your child’s education.
Here you will find all the information you need with regard to your child joining The Bulwell Academy whether that is moving from Year 6 to Year 7 (from primary to secondary school) or moving to Bulwell from another secondary school.
Any queries, please see Getting in Touch below.
📝 Change of Student Name, Address or Contact Details
Meet the Transition Team
The Transition Team all have a vital role to play in ensuring Year 6 students and those transferring from other secondary schools have a smooth start to their journey at The Bulwell Academy. You will find more details about their individual roles and their backgrounds below.
To contact any member of the team, email: admissions@bulwellacademy.org.uk
Emma Worker-Simpson
Assistant Principal
E: emma.worker-simpson@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I lead on Transition for the school and oversee a highly skilled Transition Team that will ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
All communication linked to transition will initially come from me. I look forward to meeting you all on the Transition Days, if not before.
Amy Fuller
Vice Principal, Attendance & Safeguarding
Senior Attendance Champion
E: amy.fuller@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I became Vice Principal in December 2022 having worked as a senior leader at The Bulwell Academy since January 2021.
Our attendance target for all students is no more than 4 missed school days in an academic year. This level of attendance will enable students to make the best possible progress and will therefore have a direct impact on their futures.
Supporting pupils and parents by working together to address any in-school barriers to attendance is the focus of the Attendance Team as a whole, along with celebrating ongoing success and rewarding students for improved attendance.
Kirsty Spencer
Attendance Improvement Leader
E: kirsty.spencer@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I joined The Bulwell Academy in 2024, having worked in attendance for the past 3 years. The role can be challenging at times, but the job satisfaction far outweighs anything. The main focus of my role is supporting students to improve their punctuality and ensuring that tutor groups are rewarded every week.
Matt Orridge
Safeguarding Manager
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
E: safeguarding@bulwellacademy.org.uk
Since 2017, I have had the privilege of working at The Bulwell Academy in a variety of roles, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of all areas of school life.
I have developed a strong commitment to safeguarding and have played an active role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students. I have built up close working relationships with staff, students and parents, ensuring that appropriate support is in place.
I recognise the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students feel heard, valued, and protected. I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of care within the Academy, where safeguarding is always a priority, ensuring that every student feels secure in their school environment.
Nic Mills
SEND Transition Project Supporting Families
Nottingham City Council
E: nic.mills@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
I am the lead for the SEND Transition Project Supporting Families.
We understand that moving from Primary School to Secondary School can be a daunting time for both children and families, particularly if your child has an identified need or feel that they may need additional transition support. It is important we get your views about any worries or concerns about moving school, and what you feel you or your child may need.
The project has family support workers to provide additional support for your child and family if needed. For example, supporting extra visits to school, building relationships, meetings with the family. This support can be personalised to your child’s and family’s needs. We also have access to other support services if needed.
We will be working closely both with the Primary School and The Bulwell Academy to support the most successful transition possible.
Julie Jones
Family Support Worker
E: julie.jones@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I work with Nic Mills on the Transition Project to support both students and families as a whole. I have worked in Bulwell schools for over 20 years and have held several roles. I am looking forward to getting to know our new students by visiting primary schools and meeting parents before September.
Anita Wall
Assistant Principal, SENDCO
E: anita.wall@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I strongly believe that high-quality inclusive education is the gateway to securing transformational futures for all of our pupils with SEN needs at The Bulwell Academy
I am delighted to have joined The Bulwell Academy in September 2023 as Assistant Principal and SENDCo. I have been a qualified SENDCo for over five years and have completed a Masters degree in Special Educational Needs.
Throughout my teaching career, I have worked in both mainstream and special educational needs settings, holding a variety of different roles, including Head of Department, Head of 6th Form and Inclusion Centre Lead. These roles have enabled me to gain a wealth of experience and solidified my passion for supporting pupils and their families with additional and complex needs.
Sarah Bearder
First Aider
E: sarah.bearder@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I am the lead First Aider at The Bulwell Academy. I am also responsible for the care of students with medical needs. I am responsible for contacting parents/carers of students with medical conditions to gather all the necessary information about your child’s condition and the support required to ensure a smooth transition.
Kay Lankester
Admissions Officer
E: kay.lankester@bulwellacademy.org.uk
I am responsible for much of the administration connected with the transition of Year 6 students from primary school to secondary school. I have over 25 years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge of Year 6 students ‘moving up’ to Year 7. During the transition period, I will be communicating directly with parents and primary schools.
Your Arbor Parent Account
The Arbor App and Parent Portal enable us to keep you informed about your child’s life at school in a much more accessible way. It is also used for online payments for school meals and other items such as trips and replacement school ties. Year 6 parents/carers will be asked to create their account nearer the start of Year 7.
Find out how to create your account here: Arbor Parent Portal and App ⋆ Bulwell Academy
Preparing for School
The Nottingham City Mental Health Support Team will also be attending our Summer Drop-in Days (see dates above).
New Starter Checklist
Be prepared!
Remember: uniform and equipment are checked every day before students enter the Academy.
- Free items on first day in September: All new students will be provided with a free school meal and dessert on their first day. Students will also be provided with a free Academy tie. Spare ties or replacements can be purchased for £5 on Arbor Pay, our online payment system.
- Are you uniform ready? Check the Uniform Requirements for The Bulwell Academy.
- Students need to carry to school every day a suitably sized bag that can be worn on the shoulder/s (ie, large enough to carry A4 size folders and PE kit). Students should bring a pen, pencil and ruler to school every day, along with a refillable bottle and any necessary exercise books (plus PE Kit on PE days).
- Have you logged in to Arbor Parent and checked all your information is correct? If not, please download the Arbor Parent App (or visit https://login.arbor.sc), enter your email address that we use as your primary contact, and then click Reset Password – a link will be emailed to your provided email address for you to access your account. It is essential that we have up to date contact details on our system ready for September.
- Have you activated and topped up your child’s Arbor account*? If not, please send your child with a packed lunch or, if entitled, make sure Free School Meals are in place by contacting Nottingham City Pupil Benefits. More information on school meals can be found below.
- Does your child have access to IT at home for completing home learning? Please complete the online survey below to let us know: https://forms.office.com/r/fDdZLbg07t
* Your Arbor Parent account will be activated before your child starts in September. You will receive an email to let you know that you can log into your account. For more information, visit: Arbor Parent Portal and App
School meals, snacks, packed lunches and refillable bottles
- Your child may bring a packed lunch and snacks for break times or they may choose to buy their meals and snacks from the Restaurant. Note: students will receive a free cookie and free school meal on their first day.
- All students should bring a refillable bottle to school every day to ensure they stay hydrated. Water stations are available around the school.
- Payment for school meals and snacks is online only using Arbor Payments.
- You will receive your invitation to register for Arbor Parent before your child joins the school.
For more information on our Restaurant service, Free School Meals (and Holiday Vouchers), visit our school meals page.
School Communications
The Bulwell Academy is a paperless school. All school communications to parents/carers are sent by Arbor Parent App and email, where possible. If we do not hold an email address for you, the communication will be sent by text possibly with a link to information on our website. Urgent communications will be sent by text.
To ensure that you receive school communications, please make sure The Bulwell Academy holds your current email address and mobile number by completing the quick Microsoft form below:
Update your email and contact number here
Getting in Touch
Mrs Worker-Simpson, Assistant Principal
Email: emma.worker-simpson@bulwellacademy.org.uk
For students with special educational needs and/or disabilities
SENDCO Email: send-contact@bulwellacademy.org.uk
Social Media
The Bulwell Academy Online Community
If you are a user of social media, we recommend that you follow us on one of our three social media platforms for updates, reminders and news of student and alumni success.
Further Resources
Click the links below to view further information regarding your child’s transition to The Bulwell Academy