The transition from primary to secondary school is exciting for children and marks a new phase in their lives. Children recognise it as part of growing up and are aware that their lives are about to change in an important way. Like any change, it can also bring uncertainty.
Most children will manage the transition to secondary school successfully. However, there may be ups and downs. It’s easy for children to slip from feeling happy and confident one minute, to feeling nervous or anxious and back again as they find their feet.
Building friendships and relationships
Whether your child is going to a school where a lot of their friends are going, or they are going to a school where they do not know anyone it’s important to start talking about friendships.
- Help your child think about how to approach meeting new people and starting conversations. Remind them that all children in their year are in the same situation.
- It can be helpful to encourage children to join some extracurricular activities at their new school as another way of meeting like-minded young people.
- If possible, plan activities over the summer holidays which allow your children to meet up with others