Transition to high school
Moving into Year 7 in a NSW Government school
Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.
Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.
How to enrol for Year 7
The enrolment process for our new Year 7 cohort starts in March the year prior (when the students are in Year 6).
The process starts with the online Expression of Interest form, which is sent out to all Year 6 families through their primary schools. This form enables parents to indicate if they want their child to attend their local high school, or if they wish to seek placement at other non-local NSW government schools.
For more information about the Year 7 enrolment process and key dates, visit NSW Department of Education | Moving to high school
What to expect in high school
High school brings new experiences and routines, including:
- a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
- a timetable with different lessons each day
- moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
- more independence and responsibility for belongings, homework and study
- new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.
Before your child starts Year 7
Enrolment interview
Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our 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 prepare for Year 7.
Tranisiton activities at Byron Bay High School include:
- family information evening
- school tours
- subject taster lessons
- orientation day
- meet the teacher events
- peer support activities with older students.
We actively communicate details about these events through our partner primary schools, on the 'Byron Bay Official' Facebook page, school calendar, and by email to registered families.
Contact us to learn more.
Year 7 2026 Orientation Day
Year 6 students who have an approved enrolment for Year 7 2026 are invited to join our next high school orientation day:
Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025
Time: 9:30 am to 3:10 pm
Families have been emailed the details for orientation day. Contact us for more information.
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
- talk to them about how to read a timetable
- get to know school bell times
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.