Published
By Ashley Cox
In 2026, CPC will team up with Tree of Knowledge (TOK) to present 'We're Off to the Big School', a high-energy, virtual live event, preparing final year primary pupils for their move to secondary education... while having a lot of fun along the way!
Former primary school teacher Gavin Oattes, host of our 2024 and 2025 CPC Supplier Excellence Awards and our 2025 Winter Event, has described 'We're Off to the Big School' as "Saturday morning TV meets the best school assembly you ever had". 😁
Now in its fifth year, 'Big School' aims to reassure Year 6 and P7 pupils ahead of the big switch, giving them useful information and invaluable encouragement to approach this potentially nerve-racking landmark with a new confidence, come September...
In 2025, more than 1,200 Scottish schools were a part of TOK's interactive, streamed event, with some 40,000+ live viewers. 💻
Now, the 2026 edition, set for Wednesday 17th June, is set to be even bigger, with Crescent Purchasing Consortium helping to expand its reach across the UK, as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the education sector and support its young learners.
'We're Off to the Big School: Class of 2026' will broadcast live via YouTube from 1.30pm that afternoon and is completely free!
But what exactly might schools, teachers and pupils expect?
Celebrity well-wishes
The 2025 edition included a host of inspirational good luck messages from a parade of famous faces, such as BBC Gladiators Diamond, Comet, Sabre and Giant, Newsround presenter Shanequa Paris, ITV's The Chase star Paul Sinha and TNA and WWE wrestler Joe Hendry, not to mention the likes of Alex Horne, Eilish McColgan, Joe Wicks and British & Irish Lion, Finn Russell.
Mythbusters
Mythbusters deals with children's common concerns about moving over to the big school, head-on. With the help from some secondary teachers, as well as a student or two, the 'Big School' team knows how to get these myths well and truly busted! 💥
Top tips and words of wisdom
With the friendly faces at Tree of Knowledge bringing advice to life, be it from the course of the Manchester Marathon or even an actual rollercoaster, 2025's event was all-action and included words of wisdom from FA Cup winner Chris Richards of Crystal Palace. Attendees in June can expect more inspiring tips, as TOK and CPC help the Class of 2026 get suitably 'Big School'-ready.
Fun and games
'We're Off to the Big School' is an interactive event and there were plenty of fun and games last year, with some great prizes on offer for schools and pupils alike. One of the event's highlights is the BIG Virtual Quiz and this element makes 'Big School' even more exciting, with around 1,000 teams entered on the day in 2025. Having made effective use of the online quiz and polling platform Vevox, the BIG Virtual Quiz returns in June... but does your school have what it takes to come up trumps?!
New surprises
Finally, Tree of Knowledge has hinted at some all-new surprises for #TOKBigSchool26 - and we're as curious as you are! To discover exactly what the gang have in store, don't miss a moment of the one-off, online, 75-minute 'Big School' bonanza!
Institutions interested in being a part of this UK-wide mega-event in June 2026 can register now, totally free of charge. 🆓
Each institution signing up will receive access to 'Big School Ready: Your Classroom Transition Toolkit', which contains several high-quality transition lessons teachers can put to use in the run-up to the big day and beyond. From activities to help pupils reflect on their primary school journey to one that can involve parents and carers, TOK and CPC aim to help a whole new year of learners manage the transition with success, as they get set for new adventures. Together, 'We're Off to the Big School!' 😊
"Saturday morning TV meets the best school assembly you've ever had"
In an added bonus, upon signing up for 'We're Off to the Big School: Class of 2026', your institution will also qualify for free membership and classes from the BORN TO MOVE™ programme by Les Mills, as accessible via our website in the New Year.
BORN TO MOVE™ is designed to nurture a life-long love of physical activity, helping children experience the joy and vitality of moving to music. Each session feeds young people’s natural appetite for action, movement & play and allows them to enjoy the energy, confidence, good health and increased ability that comes with it.
Optimised for core developmental stages, BORN TO MOVE™ features programming both for children aged 2-5 and for 6 to 16s.