New Year 7 Parents
We are delighted that your child has been allocated a place at our transformational academy for September. We want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Many of you would have already visited the academy, but for those who have not yet had the opportunity, or you are looking for a reminder, ahead you will find lots of useful information about the academy to help you feel at home when you join us in September.
We look forward to welcoming your child in September and supporting them to thrive academically, personally, and socially as their secondary school journey begins with us.
Ready for HACL - letter to parents and uniform policy
We want to keep you well informed in preparation for your child's start in September. When you have a moment, please review this letter to parents and also our Uniform Policy, which can be found on our Policies page.
"You can go to the teachers, and they are all very kind and helpful. The children, that go here too, are all very welcoming and nice." Kavali, Year 7
Transition booklet for families
Click HERE to download our transition booklet for families. This handbook offers key information and guidance to help ensure a smooth and positive transition for your child from Year 6 to Year 7 at Harris Academy Clapham.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, and we look forward to supporting your child's successful start.
Start of term arrangements
Year 7 students will start at the Academy on Friday 4th September 2026. This day is solely dedicated to our new cohort of year 7 students – giving students the chance to explore the academy, prior to all students returning on Monday 7th September 2026.
We start the academic year in this way, as we recognise the first day of secondary school may feel daunting. Therefore, we want to reduce apprehension, and support the transition, to make students feel at ease on their very first day.
Some useful contacts
- For medical/allergies information please contact Ms Linton j.linton@harrisclapham.org.uk.
- Our SENCO, Ms Lettington, will start to communicate with parents of children with SEND by email k.lettington@harrisclapham.org.uk.
- For Safeguarding, please contact Ms Verber – n.verber@harrisclapham.org.uk.
- For Bursaries information (see below) please contact Mr Stagg – j.stagg@harrisclapham.org.uk.
- For Free School Meals application please contact Ms Henry – s.henry@harrisclapham.org.uk.
Exciting opportunity – HACL Scholarship pathways
Students in Year 7 have the opportunity to apply for one of our Scholarships. If a young person has an exceptional talent, we want to ensure they are able to seek incredible support and provision whilst receiving their education at HACL. We offer Scholarships in:
- Music
- Languages
Visit our Scholarships for details of how to apply.
"This school has taught me a lot and has given me a lot of confidence in the real world. I feel like I belong here and I am definitely looking forward to becoming the best that I can be and reaching my goals." Jahmal, Year 7
ParentPay - cashless payments
The academy uses a cashless catering system for the canteen purchases. We will send you an activation letter with details of how to create your ParentPay account. Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to parents on how to activate the ParentPay account.
Uniform
See our Uniform page for details of our uniform supplier and how to order, including details of our Uniform Exchange, at which we offer items of second-hand uniform for very low prices.
Free school meals - how to apply
Please complete the free school meals application form if you believe you have a statutory entitlement to free school meals.
Complete the free school meals application form
Registering for free meals could also raise an extra £900 per student for the school, to fund valuable support like extra tuition, additional teaching staff or after-school activities. Please complete the form and email Shemmaine Henry s.henry@harrisclapham.org.uk if you have any queries.
Summer reading list
Click HERE to see your summer reading list! There are ten recommended books to choose from, to read over the summer.
Our stories
Kavali, Year 7
Our stories
Jahmal, Year 7
Our stories
Maria, Year 7
Our stories
Marco, Year 7
Our stories
Sidra, Year 7
Our stories
Lara, Year 7
"You can go to the teachers, and they are all very kind and helpful. The children that go here too are all very welcoming and nice."
"This school has taught me a lot and has given me a lot of confidence in the real world. I feel like I belong here and I am definitely looking forward to becoming the best that I can be and reaching my goals."
"I have learned so many things from my teachers; I have improved my knowledge, and I have made many more friends."
"I like the school because breaktimes are fun; there is a football pitch to play on."
"If you do feel nervous when you start Year 7, just remember that everyone is in the same boat as you are and everyone will help you settle in."
"My favourite part of Harris Academy Clapham is the way you can get along with each other."
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the FAQs raised by parents. We hope you find the following questions and answers helpful.
How will my child be supported with transition?
There are many ways we will support your child to make the transition as easy and enjoyable as possible.
- On Transition Day in July we invite all our new Year 7 students to come and spend the day with us on site before they join us in September.
- Year 7 students will start at the Academy in September a day before other students, giving the new students a chance to settle in.
- There will be extended lunch breaks for their first few weeks.
When will I know the form group?
Students are told their form group in September.
Are there any activities scheduled during the summer?
No, not during the summer holiday.
What do I need to bring?
Wear the full HACL uniform. Bring your own personal learning equipment including black, blue, red and green pens, pencils, ruler, pencils.
How will I enter the Academy?
On Friday 4th September, you will enter the Academy grounds via the student gate on Clarence Avenue. Once you have entered you will be directed to the Year 7 area. You will then need to line up in the allocated area for Year 7s, but don’t worry as there will be lots of staff on hand to help you find your way.
What lessons will I have?
On Friday 4th September, you will have a welcome assembly led by the Principal, followed by a induction session led by your tutor. Your day will consist of 'getting to know' the academy. Your full timetable of lessons will fully commence on Monday 7th September. Please note that you will not need your PE kit on Friday 4th September 2026, as you will not receive your timetable until this day.
Can my child wear a winter jacket? And which colours are allowed?
Yes, winter jackets are allowed in the Academy. They must be plain dark blue or black, with no logos or images. Students should remove their jackets when inside the Academy. Please label the jackets with your child's name to prevent loss or mix-ups.
Do you provide Halal food?
Yes, the menu runs on a three-weekly cycle and includes halal and non-halal options. For more information, please visit our school meals page.
How much is the meal?
Currently, the meal value is £2.76.
How will my child purchase lunch?
The academy uses a cashless catering system for the canteen and other purchases. We will give all Year 7 students a 4-digit pin for their payments. Once you received the ParentPay activation letter, please make sure you make the top-up.
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Lara, Year 7
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