As a mother of three, all of whom have now made the transition from primary to secondary school, I wanted to share our family's experiences with this significant shift. Transitioning from primary to "big" school not only marked a new chapter in their educational journey but also brought its own unique set of challenges.
The impact of transition
The transition from primary to secondary school is a major milestone that affects both children and parents, demanding adaptations and navigation through changes in routines, expectations, feelings and social dynamics.
Transition during the pandemic
Our eldest, now in Year 10, moved from primary to secondary school in 2021, during the pandemic, and her experience was vastly different compared to her siblings who transitioned in 2023.
Her move was remote, conducted online, and from a distance. She experienced no SATs, no secondary visits or settling-in days, no leavers' disco or prom, and had no opportunity to meet new school friends ahead of the academic year.
Despite these challenges, her primary school provided excellent support with resources, and the secondary school offered numerous online resources and videos. Thankfully, her transition, although far from ideal, went smoothly, and she settled well into the routines of secondary school life.
Transition to secondary post-pandemic
When it came time for my younger twins to transition in 2023, the circumstances were vastly different. Their transition was more traditional and filled with excitement from the moment we received their school placements. They enjoyed in-person visits from secondary staff, settling-in days at the new school, and opportunities for us to visit the school, meet their new friends, and connect with their form teachers.
This thorough and engaging approach greatly supported both my son and daughter, as well as us as parents.
5 tips for the move from primary to secondary school
1. Start conversations early
Starting conversations about secondary school early was one of our most effective strategies. We discussed the expected changes, how their days would be structured differently, and the new opportunities awaiting them, including exciting new subjects. This early dialogue helped demystify the experience and reduce anxiety, though not entirely.
2. Connect with other parents
Connecting with other parents undergoing the same transition proved incredibly beneficial. This network provided support and a platform for exchanging tips and experiences that enhanced our children's transition.
3. Visit the school
Organising a pre-start visit to the school was invaluable. Familiarising them with the route to school, the layout of the buildings (the school provided a colour coded map), and their classrooms made the actual first day much less daunting.
4. Give it time
Patience was key in allowing them time to settle and adjust. Providing extra support where needed was crucial, as not all children adapt in the same way. We tailored our support to meet the individual needs of each child.
5. Provide communication tools
We used tools like worry monsters and journaling to help them articulate their feelings and fears, ensuring they understood that it was normal to feel both excited and scared about the move to "big" school.
Try the nurtureuk Transition Tool Kit to help facilitate the move.
My reflection on the transition from primary to secondary school
Although all three of my children have now transitioned to secondary school, each experienced it uniquely, compounded by the challenges of the pandemic for my eldest. Each stage taught us new lessons in resilience and adaptation, reflecting the diverse needs and responses of each child during significant educational transitions.
Senior Digital Product Manager | nurtureuk