The transition to secondary school is a significant milestone in a child’s education. As they move from the familiar environment of primary school into a much larger setting, they’ll face new routines, responsibilities and social dynamics.
It’s completely normal for children to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when moving to secondary school – and knowing how to support them can make all the difference.
From navigating larger classrooms to establishing new friendships and learning to manage a full timetable, adjusting to secondary school brings challenges. As a parent, your role is crucial.
At TLC LIVE, we’ve supported thousands of students through this transition, and we’ve gathered practical tips to help your child feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout this important phase.
Why support matters during the transition to secondary school
Shifting from primary to secondary school is more than just a change in uniform. It can impact your child’s academic engagement, emotional wellbeing, and self-confidence. With multiple transitions happening at once – social, organisational and cognitive – it’s no wonder some children feel overwhelmed.
Common challenges when adjusting to secondary school include:
- A bigger, unfamiliar school environment
- Changes in friendship groups
- Increased academic demands and homework
- New levels of independence and responsibility
- Managing timetables, lockers, and moving between classrooms
While these are natural hurdles, thoughtful support at home can reduce stress and create a smoother experience.
Addressing learning gaps before secondary school
For many parents, one of the biggest concerns during the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is whether their child is academically prepared. It’s not uncommon for children to lose confidence – especially if they’ve struggled to keep up in certain subjects – and the step up in curriculum can feel overwhelming as a result.
The summer break offers a valuable opportunity to close those learning gaps. With TLC LIVE’s qualified online tutors, your child can receive focused, one-to-one support in areas like maths or English — building confidence and ensuring they’re ready to take on the transition to secondary school.
If mainstream school feels like a challenging fit, our Online School is also a flexible option to consider. Whether your child needs a short-term boost or a more personalised learning environment, both our Online Tutoring and Online School can provide the structure and support to help them succeed.
Our tips for supporting the transition to secondary school
Here are some top tips for parents supporting the transition to secondary school.
1. Familiarise your child with their new environment
- Attend any school visits or open days offered, and encourage your child to take part in induction events.
- Explore the school website together – looking through photos, virtual tours, maps and timetables can help build a sense of familiarity.
2. Establish a routine before term begins
- Start adjusting sleep and mealtime schedules a few weeks in advance to match their new school timetable.
- Encourage your child to pack their school bag and uniform the night before – small steps build independence.
3. Talk openly about feelings and expectations
- Help your child feel safe expressing any worries about moving to secondary school. Let them know it’s normal to feel unsure.
- Keep the tone calm and positive, reinforcing that taking on new responsibilities can be rewarding.
4. Support the development of independence
- Show your child how to organise their timetable, plan homework time, and prepare for the school day.
- Talk through everyday problem-solving scenarios – like missing the bus or forgetting a PE kit – to build confidence.
5. Create a study-friendly learning environment at home
- Set up a quiet, comfortable space for schoolwork without distractions.
- Introduce tools like planners or calendars to help them map out homework deadlines and revision schedules.
6. Stay engaged without being over-involved
- Attend parent evenings and school events, and keep an eye on newsletters and updates.
- Take interest in their school life by asking open questions, but allow them space to take ownership of their learning.
7. Encourage friendships and social confidence
- Support your child in maintaining positive primary school relationships while also exploring new peer groups.
- Discuss how to manage social challenges and remind them they can turn to trusted school staff for help.
8. Monitor emotional wellbeing
- The transition to secondary school can be tiring. Keep an eye out for changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or mood, which may indicate stress or anxiety.
- If you’re concerned, contact the school’s pastoral team or SENDCO for additional support.
9. Promote involvement in extracurricular activities
- After-school clubs are a great way for students to make connections and build confidence.
- Talk to your child about what interests them in the school’s offerings – joining a team or club can make a big difference in how well they settle in.
10. Work in partnership with the school
- Keep lines of communication open with tutors and heads of year. Establishing strong relationships from the start helps you address any concerns early.
- If issues arise – from academic struggles to social concerns – approach the school collaboratively to explore solutions.
In summary
Moving to secondary school is a big transition, for both children and their families. With the right preparation, parental involvement and ongoing support, most children will soon adjust and develop the resilience they need to thrive in their new environment.
Remember: the transition to secondary school is a process, not a single event. It’s perfectly normal for it to take time, and for your child to need reassurance along the way. Keep the lines of communication open and remain flexible in your approach.
At TLC LIVE, we believe that every child deserves the right support to succeed. Whether it’s academic tutoring or boosting confidence through personalised learning, we’re here to help your child settle, succeed, and flourish throughout their school journey.
Get in touch to learn more about our private online tutoring, tutoring for schools, and online school.
By Ryan Lockett, Headteacher, TLC LIVE Online School