Secondary school can be a big jump in terms of responsibility, and if your child’s not prepared, this could quickly lead to issues at school, as less is done for them. If your child is going into year 7 this September, there are some things you can do to make the transition easier and help them feel confident on their first day.
Check what equipment and uniform they need
Secondary schools often punish children for not having the right equipment or uniform, so it’s really important to get this right from the start of the year. Double-check equipment and uniform lists, and make sure you understand any guidance on things like types of shirt or skirt lengths. Try to get this organised as early as you can to avoid the last-minute panic of forgotten items.
Practice journeys
If your child will be travelling on their own, a practice run is essential. Get them to try the bus or train route during holiday hours so they know how long it takes, where to get on and off, and what to do if plans change. If this isn’t possible, they could try another local journey using the bus or train to make them feel more confident.
Build responsibility now
Use the summer to increase your child’s responsibility bit by bit. Getting up on time, packing their own bag, preparing simple snacks, or managing their schedule are all small things, but they can really make a difference. These habits are what secondary school life demands from day one, so it’s helpful to start now.
Stay connected with the school
Find out how the school communicates with parents and students, and set it up in advance. Many schools use apps or online portals that share attendance, behaviour updates, and announcements. Getting used to these systems now saves you chasing details when things get busy.
Discuss expectations and support
Talk honestly about the bigger workload, time management, and the importance of asking for help when needed. Keep talking about it, too, so that you’re there to support them if they’re struggling. Plan a schedule now for September that includes time on each weekday evening for them to check what they need for school and plan in any homework. Adapt this as needed throughout the year.
