Starting High School

Moving from primary to secondary school is a key turning point in the lives of all pupils and can present a number of challenges: bigger, noisier, buildings that are unfamiliar, getting to know several teachers with different personalities and teaching styles, as well as the daunting prospect of meeting lots of new classmates. It can feel quite scary for young people and their families. This page is to help you with advice and support and give you an idea of what to expect.

Advice for parents

Tips for parents:

• Look at all the schools you and your child like. What do they offer? Look at their One Minute Guides to help you and your child make the best decision for them.
• Visit the schools. Don’t just visit one school - visit a few to help you compare and make sure you and your child are happy.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Contact the school and find out more information. Speak to people whose children already attend.
• If the school offers extra events in year 5/ 6, encourage your child to attend them. This will help them to become more familiar and meet other children before they start.
• Talk to your child’s primary school if you have any worries. They may be able to offer support.
• Ensure they are sharing your child’s information with the new school. Feel free to chase it up. This is really important for children with SEN or anxiety.
• If possible, print a school map for you and your child to look at and check the school website to see if they offer virtual tours and videos of the new school environment. Doing these things can minimise unknowns for day one and can reduce anxiety.
• Check the journey. Will they need transport? Go on the journey with them so they know what to expect. If your child has an EHCP, check the transport options for pupils with SEND.
• Remember this is a change for you too. Reach out to other parents; it won’t be the same as being in the playground, so try and keep the communication going. It is always handy for those last-minute reminders like remembering food ingredients for food tech.

If your child has an EHCP, discuss their options with your child’s current school and keyworker. Start the conversations early with your child and setting. You can find more information on SEND school place applications. 

Year 6 - 7 Transition Timetable

Preparing for secondary school is key to a smooth transition and the earlier you start, the better. Please contact your preferred secondary school or look on their website to find out when their transition days will be taking place.

Support for Children

Top 5 tips

1. Don’t worry about getting lost - everyone will feel the same at some point so ask for help. Getting lost can help you find new places too.
2. Make friends and be yourself! People will like you for you! Secondary school gives you lots of opportunity to meet lots of new people. Exciting!
3. Put your hand up in class. Even if you are wrong - it will help you learn, so give it a try.
4. Pack your bag and check your timetable the night before, so you are prepared for the next day. It will help you in the morning.
5. Set reminders for your homework and ask a friend if you are unsure. We all need to support each other.

Here is an example of a secondary school video to give you an idea of what you might expect. Check online to see if your new school has a video you could look at too!

 Young Persons Checklist:

Resources to help transition to High School

• Questions to consider when choosing a secondary school for a child with ASD (PDF, 87KB)
• Supporting Autistic Pupils with transition to Secondary School - remotely
• Starting secondary school - BBC Parents' Toolkit
• Secondary School Transition Booklet
• Supporting learners with autism during transition (PDF, 1.9MB). Although this booklet is designed for children with autism, it could also support any child and give opportunities for your child to discuss moving on to secondary school. 

Page last reviewed: 25 October 2024