Starting school and moving up to secondary: making transitions easier

Last reviewed October 2026

Two moments stand out in a child’s school life: the first day of Reception, and the move up to secondary. Both are bigger for children, and for parents, than a single change of building. This guide covers what changes and what helps at each.

Starting Reception

Starting school is a large step for a small child. The aim in the first weeks is settling, not academics, so try not to worry about reading levels before your child has found their feet.

What helps in the run-up: practise the practical things they will need to do themselves, like putting on a coat and shoes, using the toilet independently, and recognising their own name. Walk the route to school a few times so it feels familiar. Many schools stagger the start or offer shorter days at first; take these up, as they are designed to ease the transition.

Expect some tiredness and some wobbles. A child who is calm at drop-off one week and tearful the next is completely normal. Talk to the teacher early if anything worries you, because settling is exactly what Reception staff spend these weeks managing.

Moving up to secondary

The Year 6 to Year 7 move changes more at once than any other point: a bigger school, many teachers instead of one, a timetable and different rooms, new classmates, and often a longer and more independent journey.

What helps in the run-up: go to the transition and induction sessions the secondary school runs, as they exist precisely to reduce first-day nerves. Practise the journey together until your child can do it confidently on their own, especially if it now involves a bus or train, which is one of the biggest changes of this move. Sort out uniform, equipment and how they will keep track of homework before term starts.

Expect the first half-term to be tiring while everything is new. Independence grows quickly, and most children settle within weeks once the routine clicks.

Choosing with the transition in mind

If you are still choosing a school, it is worth picturing the daily reality, not just the school itself. For a primary place, closeness and a gentle start matter. For secondary, the journey and how your child will manage it independently are a real part of the decision. Our guide on getting to school goes into the travel side, and the map helps you see how far your options really are.

Where this connects

If you are still building a shortlist, see choosing a primary school and choosing a secondary school. For the application process and dates, see school admissions explained.

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