A headteacher’s perspective: embracing national offer day
It’s National Offer Day this Monday (March 3), I know many families will be anxiously awaiting news of their child’s secondary school place.
It’s a significant moment, filled with anticipation and, for some, a touch of uncertainty.
As Headteacher of Overton Grange School I’d like to offer a few words of guidance and reassurance based on years of seeing pupils thrive, no matter where their journey begins.
For those of you whose child doesn’t secure their first-choice school, my first piece of advice is simple: don’t panic. It’s perfectly natural to feel frustrated or disappointed - many families do at this time of year. But take heart: the vast majority of students go on to have a brilliant experience at their allocated school.
What feels like a challenge today is also an exciting opportunity for your child to grow and shine.
Emotionally, be there for them - acknowledge their feelings, but also share your confidence in their ability to adapt. A calm, positive outlook from you will help them feel secure as they take this next step.
If you decide not to appeal, preparation is key. You might not know as much about this school as your preferred choice, but that’s easily remedied. Visit if you can - most schools, including ours, offer tours around this time. Dig into the school’s website too; it’s brimming with details about what makes the place special. Getting to know the layout, the staff, and the ethos will help your family feel more at ease. It’s about building familiarity together - a small step that makes a big difference.
Children adapt remarkably quickly. Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a big leap for every pupil, but with the right support, they settle in faster than you might expect. Within weeks, sometimes even days, they’ll be finding their feet - making friends, joining in, and embracing the opportunities secondary school offers. Schools like ours put a huge amount of effort into ensuring this shift is smooth, with pastoral care and activities designed to help Year 7s feel at home.
And if your child ends up at a different school from their primary friends? That can actually be a positive thing. Young people are wonderfully resilient, and I’m always amazed at how swiftly our new Year 7s form fresh friendship groups.
Many will be in the same boat, and with the support we provide, they’ll soon find their tribe. A new start can boost confidence, encourage new connections, and even become the springboard for them to flourish in ways you might not have imagined.
National Offer Day is just the beginning. Wherever your child’s place is confirmed this Monday, know that they’re embarking on an adventure full of potential. We’re here to support you every step of the way - because at Overton Grange we believe every pupil can thrive, given the chance.