At Notre Dame School, we believe in preparing the whole family for a smooth and positive start. Starting a new school is a significant moment for any child, but with the right support, it can be a joyful and confidence-building experience.

One of the most helpful things parents can do is to involve their child early on. Speak positively about what lies ahead, attend introductory events together and encourage gentle connections with new classmates over the summer. At Notre Dame School, we support this through friendly taster days, a dedicated induction day with engaging subject activities, and a whole school Orientation Day before the start of term. These moments help children feel familiar with the school and increasingly confident, allowing friendships to form naturally.

Once school begins, all pupils are welcomed into a nurturing pastoral environment supported by Form Tutors, Pastoral Leads, Peer Mentors, a School Counsellor, our Chaplaincy Team and Ted, our wellbeing dog. From Year 5, the ‘Girls On Board’ programme helps pupils develop healthy, positive friendships, preparing them for and guiding them through the teenage years ahead. Schemes such as ‘Big Sister, Little Sister’ (where Sixth Formers are ‘buddied’ with Year 7s), broaden the girls’ friend circle. Early trips outside the classroom, team building sessions and themed friendship-building days promote connection across year groups.

Parents are thoughtfully supported too. New families are invited to performances, exhibitions and informal events ahead of joining. The Friends of Notre Dame (FoND), our PTA equivalent, is a strong and well-established association, who provide a wealth of knowledge, advice and support for new parents, as well as organising socials and fundraising events for families to enjoy. They ensure that all new parents are included in communications and events before they start at Notre Dame, so that children are able to connect. The Nearly New Uniform Shop (run by FoND), provides a relaxed setting to meet others, along with information-led coffee mornings and socials. There’s also a very helpful online guide to starting at Notre Dame and new parents are invited to attend settling meetings. Mrs Morgan and Mrs King (our Prep & Senior School Heads) are also happy to chat to new families, offering them plenty of helpful information and advice. Parents are also invited to join ‘Orientation Day’, to meet the staff and importantly to meet each other and we also support them in accessing communication apps and the IT systems that are used in school, so that everybody is ready with access and communicate with us before term starts.
Whether joining in Nursery or the Sixth Form, every girl (and their family) is known, valued and supported to flourish. At Notre Dame School, friendships truly begin from day one.

notredame.co.uk