Transition from primary to secondary school

The transition from primary to secondary school can be a particularly daunting experience for some new Year 7 pupils, which can lead to feelings of anxiety. With the transition to secondary school, new teachers, and a more challenging curriculum, it's natural for some students to find the adjustment brings new challenges.

With the right support, the transition from Primary to Secondary school doesn’t have to be daunting. Your child can thrive during this time of change and growth.

What is Key Stage 3?

Key stage 3 is the first three years of secondary school in the UK, covering Years 7 to 9. In these years students will study a range of subjects, including English, maths, science, history, geography, and languages.

This broader curriculum has a greater emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking skills than Key Stage1 and Key Stage 2 which can for some children cause struggle during the transition to this level.

Is your child struggling with the transition to secondary school?

Is your child facing challenges while transitioning to secondary school? Don't worry, you're not alone!

Approximately 45% of parents have reported stress and anxiety in their child during the transition from Primary to Secondary school. That's why Explore Learning is here to lend a helping hand during your child's transition to secondary school.

We've put together a few tips for you below that can help aid your child with stress and anxiety during the New School Year transition to secondary school.

Supporting and managing the transition to secondary school

Here are some of our top tips to help you manage the transition from primary school to secondary school for your child.

Encourage independence

One significant change that children experience during the transition to Key Stage 3 is the greater emphasis on independent learning.

Encourage your child to take responsibility for their studies by setting aside time for homework and revision, organising their study materials, and prioritising their workload. But of course, do offer to help if they say they need your support.

If they need to walk a new route to school or get the bus, do a trial run togetherso they can then do it by themselves confidently.

Communicate with teachers

Establish good communication with your child's teachers during the transition to secondary school. Attend parents evenings and ask for feedback on their work.

This will help you to understand how your child is progressing and identify any areas where they may need additional support during the tricky transitional period.

Build confidence

Some children may struggle with the transition from primary school to secondary school. One way to help child build confidence is encouraging them to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports or music, to build their confidence and make new friends.

Praise your child for their achievements, however small, to help them build a positive attitude towards learning.

Provide support

If your child is struggling with the transition to secondary school into the Key Stage 3 level, provide them with the support they need. Consider enlisting the help of a tutor or mentor to provide additional support and guidance or speak to their teachers about any concerns you may have.

Ensure that your child has a quiet and comfortable place to study, and that they are getting enough sleep and exercise to stay focused and alert.

Harness excitement

What is your child excited about? Is it learning a new subject, getting a new uniform, making new friends? Share with them what you were excited about and enjoyed when you made the transition from Primary to Secondary school.

How can Explore Learning help with the transition to secondary school?

We're here for you as a family, to provide all the support and information you need for Key Stage 3 and secondary school. It could be worth encouraging your child to take part in after school activities that can really help boost their confidence, and give them an outlet to relieve some stress and anxiety.

Our professional tutors can help your child build confidence in their abilities andease the transition to secondary school.

We'll tailor to their needs and be able to support with study skills such as time management, note-taking and writing practise, which will not only benefit them during key stage 3 but also throughout their academic career.

Marcus has been a member of our Whiteley centre for 5 years...

"I was introduced to Explore Learning five years ago by a friend. My son was eleven at the time and doing OK at school but not great.

I felt that support with Maths and English could only be a good thing so I signed him up, and have watched his progress go from strength to strength; at one point he was in the top three high performing mathematics students at his school!

My son's confidence in English language and literature has greatly improved and he has a better understanding of what the examiners are looking for to achieve the top grades.

With heartfelt enthusiasm I've recommended Explore Learning to many people as we all want to do the best for our children. My son is due to take his GCSE's this year and I'm sure being part of Explore Learning will help him to achieve the best results he can"

Let Explore Learning take the stress out of the transition from Primary to Secondary school. By providing the guidance they need to develop essential study skills, succeed academically and build confidence we'll help your child to adapt to their new environment and thrive.