FEATURE: Help your child get a head start at secondary school

You’ll probably already have some ideas about your local secondary schools, through talking to parents at your child’s primary school.

It’s important to include your child’s views about which secondary schools to apply to. Your child may be keen to continue school with current primary school friends and could be influenced by friends’ choices of secondary school.
Consider your child’s strengths and interests. Some secondary schools specialise in particular areas of the curriculum and this could help with your family’s decision.
Think about your child’s character and the character of the school in question: do the two “match”, or are there aspects of the school that your child may find difficult?
Talk to your child about what they would find challenging at a particular school, as well as what would appeal.
Find out about extra-curricular opportunities outside lessons.
Being involved in out-of-school clubs can make a huge difference to the enjoyment of secondary school as well as having benefits for learning. Look at the range of sports activities on offer too – these can differ widely from school to school.
Moving from the top class of primary school, Year 6, to the bottom class of secondary, Year 7, is probably the biggest change your child will have ever known.
Because moving schools is such a change in their lives, your child will almost certainly be nervous.
Take time to talk things through – or at least, let your child know that you realise they might be anxious and you’re willing to listen.
For many children, moving to secondary school means a longer and more complicated journey without a parent or carer accompanying them.
Make sure you talk about the new journey, and try rehearsals to make sure your child is confident. Try to find other children for your child to go with – friends from primary school are ideal.
Aim to keep your time as free as possible around the early days of secondary school – your child may be growing up, but this doesn’t mean you’re not needed.
The school is as keen as you are to make sure the early days go smoothly. If you have any worries ask if you can talk to your child’s form tutor or head of year.
However small a problem seems, it’s worth approaching the school for support if you or your child have concerns.