Moving from primary to secondary school is a major milestone for both you and your child.
It is completely normal for children (and parents) to feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
Secondary transition is less about academic preparation and more about helping your child build personal independence, emotional resilience, and practical everyday habits so they feel confident navigating a much larger environment.
Key skills to practise at home
You can help your child feel ready for Year 7 by focusing on practical routines and open conversations during the summer months.
- Independent travel and route planning – Practise the journey to the new school together, whether walking, cycling, or using public transport. Discuss road safety and what to do if a bus is late or a phone battery dies.
- Time management and organisation – Help your child practise packing their bag using a timetable, managing a pencil case, and keeping track of personal belongings like keys, bus passes, and lunch money.
- Managing changing routines – Secondary school involves moving between different classrooms for every subject, managing homework deadlines, and adapting to multiple teachers. Discuss how a planner or calendar app can help keep track of tasks.
- Communication and self-advocacy – Encourage your child to practise asking for help independently, whether speaking to a teacher, finding a lost item or seeking peer support.
A note for parents of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)
Every child transitions at their own pace.
Secondary schools have dedicated SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) and pastoral support teams experienced in helping pupils adapt.
If your child has SEND or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), contact the secondary school's SENCO to discuss transition visits, key contact staff, and tailored support strategies before the start of term.
You can also reach out to Havering SENDIASS for independent advice.
Useful resources and expert advice
Below are trusted external resources and guides specifically tailored to support Year 6 pupils and their families through the transition to secondary school.
- BBC Bitesize – Starting Secondary School – A comprehensive collection of videos, interactive tools, and real-life stories from Year 7 pupils covering everything from peer pressure and making friends to navigating timetables.
- YoungMinds – Helping Your Child Manage the Move – Guidance focusing on emotional well-being and mental health during transition, offering practical tips for parents on supporting their child through the shift.
- Anna Freud Centre – Supporting Children's Transition to Secondary School – Practical advice and resources for parents and carers to help children navigate the transition with confidence and emotional resilience.
- Family Lives – Moving up to Secondary School – Practical family guidance addressing the emotional and practical shifts children and parents face during the transition to Year 7.