Frequently asked questions
You probably have loads of questions about starting at your new school - most people will. On this page you will find answers to some of the most common questions or worries you might have. If your question isn't answered here or on this website - send us a question instead.
Just click on a question to read the answer, or post a question below.
Just click on a question to read the answer, or post a question below.
What happens on the first day?
Click here to find out more about the First Day at high school
*This is subject to change due to current restrictions caused by the pandemic.
*This is subject to change due to current restrictions caused by the pandemic.
What are the school times?
School starts officially at 8.45am, though you should be in school for 8.40am. Except for the first day, you should go straight to your tutor room each morning as soon as you arrive in school to help us observe social distancing guidelines.
School normally finishes at 3.00pm every day, however from September 2020 school will finish at 2.45pm for Year 7 to allow us to stagger the school day in line with our COVID-19 measures. Those of you who use the school buses, they will be waiting for you at the bus park, where they dropped you off in the morning. Please make sure you go straight there so the buses can depart on time.
We ask parents/carers not to come on site to collect children, but please wait for them off-site.
Read more
School normally finishes at 3.00pm every day, however from September 2020 school will finish at 2.45pm for Year 7 to allow us to stagger the school day in line with our COVID-19 measures. Those of you who use the school buses, they will be waiting for you at the bus park, where they dropped you off in the morning. Please make sure you go straight there so the buses can depart on time.
We ask parents/carers not to come on site to collect children, but please wait for them off-site.
Read more
What will I need on the first day?
You should always come to school prepared to learn - even on Day 1.
You should bring your pens, pencils, rulers and pencil case. Go to the Get Ready page for more details.
You will also need your lunch with you on the first day. If you have hot dinners and want a meal from the dining hall you will have to make sure your parents/carers have set up an account with ParentPay as the school no longer accepts cash. Your parents will get a letter about this in June/July. Visit the Parent Page for more information.
You will NOT need your PE kit on the first day - even if you have PE on that day.
You should bring your pens, pencils, rulers and pencil case. Go to the Get Ready page for more details.
You will also need your lunch with you on the first day. If you have hot dinners and want a meal from the dining hall you will have to make sure your parents/carers have set up an account with ParentPay as the school no longer accepts cash. Your parents will get a letter about this in June/July. Visit the Parent Page for more information.
You will NOT need your PE kit on the first day - even if you have PE on that day.
What uniform should I wear?
All our pupils wear school uniform and take pride in their appearance. Your Welcome Pack contains up-to-date information about what uniform you can wear. However, go to the Uniform page to find out what to wear and what types of trousers, shoes, shirts etc. are acceptable.
What happens if I get lost around school?
Don't worry! King Edward VI is a big school compared to your primary school. It will take you a few weeks to find all the classrooms. If you get lost - don't panic because your teacher will understand it takes a while to find everything.
Just ask a member of staff or an older student if you are not sure where to go and they will point you in the right direction! Mr Lomas and the Hear4U mentors will be around to help you! Or ask at Reception.
On your first day, you will get a tour of the school to help you find your way around.
Take a look at the map
Take a virtual tour
Just ask a member of staff or an older student if you are not sure where to go and they will point you in the right direction! Mr Lomas and the Hear4U mentors will be around to help you! Or ask at Reception.
On your first day, you will get a tour of the school to help you find your way around.
Take a look at the map
Take a virtual tour
Who will be my Head of Year?
The new Leader of Year 7 is Mrs Wright. You can email her at wright.n@kevi.org.uk.
Meet other key staff
Meet other key staff
ParentPay and school dinners - how do they work?
Since 2019 the school has been a cashless zone - which means now pupils cannot pay for food or drink items, or even trips, using cash. All pupils and staff must now use the ParentPay system. Parents will get details about how to register, or transfer an existing account, in July. Once you have received the activation codes from us, you can find out how to set up your account, or transfer it, by visiting the ParentPay Parents page.
To find out how School Dinners work, visit our Food page.
To find out more ParentPay, please see the Parent Page.
To find out how School Dinners work, visit our Food page.
To find out more ParentPay, please see the Parent Page.
What House am I in and what colour tie will I need?
All pupils and staff at KEVI are put into school houses for achievement points and House competitions. You will be told what house you are in by letter in May or June. If you do not know, you can either Contact us via this site or call the school. If you contact us over the Summer break, we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Find out more about the School House system by watching our infomerical in the Media Library.
Find out more about the School House system by watching our infomerical in the Media Library.
If I have a question or problem who should I go to?
Most general questions about school, routines, uniform etc can be answered by the School Office, either by phone: 01785 258546 or by e-mail: office@kevi.org.uk.
If you or your parents have a concern you should speak to your form tutor. Again parents can send them a message via the school website's contact page at www.kevi.org.uk or call the school.
If there is a more serious issue, you should speak to your form tutor, your Head of Year or the Assistant Headteacher, Mrs von Elbing - all of whom can be contacted through school.
If you have a concern about another pupil's safety or health, you should speak to any teacher or Shona, our Safeguarding Officer, who can be contacted via e-mail, phone or text. Go to the Safeguarding page on the main school website for details.
If you or your parents have a concern you should speak to your form tutor. Again parents can send them a message via the school website's contact page at www.kevi.org.uk or call the school.
If there is a more serious issue, you should speak to your form tutor, your Head of Year or the Assistant Headteacher, Mrs von Elbing - all of whom can be contacted through school.
If you have a concern about another pupil's safety or health, you should speak to any teacher or Shona, our Safeguarding Officer, who can be contacted via e-mail, phone or text. Go to the Safeguarding page on the main school website for details.
Will I get loads of homework?
Each subject you have will set homework every week. But don't panic! There are lots of things available in school to help you with your homework, and to help you stay organised! All homework is recorded online via Go4Schools - so you can see exactly what you have to do and when the homework is due. We also offer homework support clubs in school every day and you can even come into school any day of the week to print your homework. Details of days and times will be published on the main school website in September. For now, why not find out more about Go4Schools on the school website.
How do I apply for a bus pass?
If you live in one of the outlying villages such as Church Eaton, Gnosall, Haughton etc you may be eligible for a free bus pass which means you can use the free school bus service operated by Staffordshire County Council.
The school has no control over the buses and so you will need to get in touch with the School Admissions and Transport Service. You can apply to them for a bus pass, or if you have already applied, you can check when you will receive the pass. These are sometimes issued to primary schools in July or to home over the Summer. You should check the eligibility criteria to see if you meet it.
Click here to find out more
The school has no control over the buses and so you will need to get in touch with the School Admissions and Transport Service. You can apply to them for a bus pass, or if you have already applied, you can check when you will receive the pass. These are sometimes issued to primary schools in July or to home over the Summer. You should check the eligibility criteria to see if you meet it.
Click here to find out more
When is Induction Day 2020?
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, our normal Induction Day has been cancelled. Induction activities to help you settle into your new school will now take place in September.
What is the Consultation Day and when is it?
Consultation Day is when parents/carers are invited into King Edward VI for an appointment with your new form tutor. This year, this will be done virtually using video or phone calls. Details have been posted out to you.
What is the Post-Admissions Information Form (PAIF1) and where can I find it?
The Post-Admissions Information Form (PAIF1) is the electronic form which parents/carers need to complete to register all your important details with the school. It needs to be completed by 1st July 2020 so we can make sure we have everything set up in time for September.
The links and passwords to the forms are posted out to you in May along with the Welcome Packs. If you do not receive yours by the end of June, please email transition@kevi.org.uk.
The links and passwords to the forms are posted out to you in May along with the Welcome Packs. If you do not receive yours by the end of June, please email transition@kevi.org.uk.
I am the only one coming from my primary school - will I be able to settle in?
Firstly, please don't worry. Every year we have pupils coming from across Stafford and we have many who often come on their own from their old primary school, or have recently moved into the area. You are not alone!
To support you we often try and put pupils coming on their own in tutor groups together as we find these make friends quickly as they have something in common! The transition activities, especially Summer Club, is a great way to make new friends and meet new people. Your teachers are always be there to support you, especially if you are feeling lonely. We also have peer mentors in your form group to help you settle in. You will soon make friends in class, in form group or in one of the sports or after-school clubs!
If you know somebody coming from another primary school, you could let us know on your Pupil Questionnaire and we will make sure you are with somebody you know.
Fill in the Pupil Questionnaire
To support you we often try and put pupils coming on their own in tutor groups together as we find these make friends quickly as they have something in common! The transition activities, especially Summer Club, is a great way to make new friends and meet new people. Your teachers are always be there to support you, especially if you are feeling lonely. We also have peer mentors in your form group to help you settle in. You will soon make friends in class, in form group or in one of the sports or after-school clubs!
If you know somebody coming from another primary school, you could let us know on your Pupil Questionnaire and we will make sure you are with somebody you know.
Fill in the Pupil Questionnaire
