Welcome to the TGS Family – we’re thrilled to have you with us!
We understand that moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big step, so we’ve created this page – along with the links on the right – to support you and your child through the transition from Primary to Secondary school.
Here, you’ll find all the key information you need to help ensure the move is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for your child.
If you have any questions or feel unsure about anything along the way, our Year 7 Transition Team is here and happy to help.
At The Gatwick School, becoming part of the TGS family means stepping into a place where learning truly comes to life!
Please find some useful information below:
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| Welcome Letter September 2025 |
Secondary School Hours - 8:50am - 3:30pm
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In the secondary phase, we expect our students to arrive at The Gatwick School equipped and ready to learn. Each student requires:
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We expect all students to aim for 100% attendance, as consistent attendance is vital for learning and progress. However, if your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please contact us on 01293 538779, email pupilabsence@thegatwickschool.org.uk as early as possible on each day of their absence.
If you're unsure whether your child is well enough for school, we encourage you to send them in. If they become too unwell during the day, we will contact you.
Please note: if your child has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, they must remain at home for 48 hours after the last episode to help prevent the spread of illness.
We understand that medical or dental appointments are sometimes unavoidable. Wherever possible, we kindly ask that these are arranged outside of school hours to minimise disruption to learning.
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As part of the school admissions process, parents and carers will be asked to provide their contact details. This information enables us to maintain effective communication with you.
The Gatwick School primarily uses email to communicate with parents and carers through a platform called Arbor, which allows for fast and environmentally friendly communication between school and home. We regularly send out parent letters and will contact you by phone when necessary.
In addition, we share a weekly whole-school newsletter and provide regular updates via our social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
Please remember to inform the school if you have any changes to your contact details.
The school has a dedicated medical room where trained first aiders are available to support students who feel unwell. If your child becomes unwell during the school day, they should inform their class teacher or tutor, who will refer them to the medical room. A first aider will then assess whether they need to be sent home. If this is necessary, we will contact you to either give permission for your child to go home independently or to arrange for someone to collect them.
We have several qualified first aiders based across the school to ensure students have access to support when needed.
If your child requires regular medication—such as antibiotics or insulin—these can be stored securely in the medical room. Students are responsible for administering their own medication but may do so in the privacy of the medical room. If your child uses an asthma inhaler or EpiPen, they must carry it with them at all times. We also request that a spare inhaler is provided for storage in the medical room.
It is essential that we have accurate and up-to-date medical information. Please inform the school of any changes to your child’s medical needs.
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The school canteen, run by Aspens, provides a diverse selection of meals throughout the day, with menus on a three-week rotation. All meals are designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
Students can purchase food during the following canteen opening times:
• Morning Break: 11:25 – 11:50
• Lunch Break: 12:50 – 13:30
The current cost of a main meal is £3.00 per day.
If your child has any food allergies or intolerances, please ensure the school is informed.
Please visit our Parent Portal for full details on how Arbor works - Parent Portal & App
Many families at The Gatwick School may be entitled to free school meals but have not yet claimed them. We strongly encourage you to apply if you receive any of the qualifying benefits listed below:
Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400
Applications must be made through the WSCC website or this link Free School Meals
At The Gatwick School, we operate a strict no phone policy during the school day. Students may bring mobile phones for use while travelling to and from school. However, phones must be switched off for the school day. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones on site, including during break and lunch times. Phones must be switched off and kept out of sight at all times.
This policy helps to minimise distractions, promote positive social interaction, and maintain a focused learning environment. Any phone seen or heard during the school day will be confiscated and returned to students at the end of the school day.
Parents and carers should be aware that they do not have the right to take their child out of school during term time without prior permission. Any absence must be requested in advance and will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Holidays taken during term time will not be approved.
If you need to request an absence which falls into exceptional circumstances, the application form can be found –
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If parents or carers have any further questions that aren’t answered here, please email info@thegatwickschool.org.uk