Choosing the right school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you will make as a family. As students approach Year 7, this moment marks the transition into secondary school—a time of growth, increasing independence, and new expectations.
At Walford, we understand that this transition is significant. Our approach to Year 7 is intentionally designed to support each girl as she moves into the Secondary School with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Head of Secondary School Alice Speirs says, “A successful transition is about more than moving into new subjects or classrooms; it is about feeling known and supported. At Walford, relationships are at the centre of our community. Our teachers take the time to understand each student as an individual, and our pastoral care structures ensure that every girl feels valued, supported, and connected from the very beginning.
We also recognise that students at this stage benefit from a balance of structure and independence. Year 7 at Walford is designed to guide students as they develop organisation, responsibility, and confidence in their learning, while still being supported in a nurturing environment.”
This transition will be further supported by a dedicated Year 7 setting within the soon-to-be-opened Mabel Jewell Baker House. Purposefully designed for this stage of learning, the environment will provide a sense of familiarity and connection, while gradually preparing students for the broader secondary school experience.
For families, choosing the right school for Year 7 is about finding a place where your daughter will feel a genuine sense of belonging, be supported through change, and be encouraged to grow in confidence and capability. It is about choosing a school that understands this stage of development and has intentionally designed its approach to meet the needs of young adolescents.
We invite you to experience firsthand what makes Year 7 at Walford such a strong and supported beginning.
Book a personalised tour: walford.sa.edu.au/visit-walford
Spend a day at Walford: walford.sa.edu.au/come-and-try-day
Begin your application: enrol.walford.asn.au/application-form/start