KS4 to KS5 Transition

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Welcome to Monkwearmouth Academy KS4 transition to KS5 page. The information contained here is designed to help support our Year 11 students, who are making the transition from Secondary Education to 6th form college and beyond into their chosen pathway.


In order for a successful transition, Year 11 students should:

STEP 1 - Contact your post 16 provider

Find out as much as you can about your Post 16 provider: check out their website, contact them to see if there is anything that you can do to prepare for starting with them etc.

STEP 2 - Complete the Transition units to give you the confidence you need for KS5

Make a start!  Use the PiXL Gateway transition resources to support you with the subjects you wish to study further. With reading lists and activities these resources will help support you in the next stage of your learning journey. 

PiXL Gateway Transition Units


GCSE Pod offer a ’10 things to do’ to prepare you for your A levels. It focuses on the key concepts and skills needed for a A level student.

GCSE Pod - Ten Things To Do To Prepare For...

STEP 3 – Get Ahead – Recommended Reading and Skills Courses

Get a ahead of your peers joining your chosen 6th form from other secondary schools by researching in-depth the topics you have chosen to study in KS5. Below you will find a recommended reading list for the majority of A level subjects on offer. However, this list is not exhaustive and students should refer to their chosen 6th form website for any specific reading recommendations.


► Sixth Form Wider Reading

STEP 4 – GCSE to A Level/BTEC/Vocational – Making the Transition

If you are unsure which career pathway the subjects you are currently studying at KS4 or would like to study at KS5 can take you, the following My Learning, My Future subject choices booklets linked below will provide students with an informative background to support their choices and career pathway.


Get ahead of your peers joining your chosen 6th form from other secondary schools by researching in-depth the topics you have chosen to study in KS5. Below you will find a recommended reading list for the majority of A level subjects on offer. However, this list is not exhaustive and students should refer to their chosen 6th form website for any specific reading recommendations.

STEP 5 – Engage in Appropriate Webinars

ASK part of the National Apprenticeship Service are provide live webinars for our pupils to engage with. Supporting them with their next steps into higher education and beyond. Please, take the opportunity to sign up for the webinars.