Guides

Moving from primary to secondary school

Yellow school buses parked beside an arcaded building in Florence

The move from primary to secondary school is a big change. Children go from one main teacher to many, from one classroom to a whole site, and often from being the oldest to the youngest.

Before the move

Visit the school together if you can, including any transition days.
Practise the journey, especially if your child will travel alone.
Talk about what is likely to be different, such as timetables and homework.

Organisation

Help your child pack their bag the night before using the timetable. A simple checklist on the bedroom door can help in the first weeks.

Friendships

Friendship groups often change in the first year. Encourage clubs and activities where your child can meet people with similar interests.

The first term

Expect tiredness. Keep evenings and weekends calm for the first few weeks, and keep in touch with the form tutor or class teacher if your child seems unhappy for more than a short time.