Transition from Y6 to Y7

Useful background reading and research

Mind the Engagement Gap: A National Study of Pupil Engagement in England's Schools by Professor John Jerrim (ImpactEd Group) - May 2025

The Age 11 Dip: 1 in 4 Pupils Disengage from School in First Year of Secondary

New research reveals a concerning drop in engagement during the crucial transition to secondary education

A Critical Transition Point

The transition to secondary school has long been recognised as a challenging period for young people. However, new research has uncovered just how significant this shift can be for pupils' educational engagement.

More than one in four pupils begin to disengage from school during Year 7, according to the largest-ever study of pupil engagement in England. Our research has identified the first year of secondary school as a critical point in children's education—with engagement levels that never fully recover for most pupils.

Why girls need extra help with transition to secondary (pdf) TES Article January 2025.  Looking at the gender gap in feeling safe...  (extract from the report above( 

‘It's scary starting a new school’: Children and young people's perspectives on wellbeing support during educational transitions Demkowicz, O. et al   Br J Educ Psychol. 2023

One Small Step?  Exploring the links between educational transitions and young people’s wellbeing. (pdf) The Children's Society (2024) 

A short report on the findings from the ImpactEd Understanding Attendance Project (looking at aspects of transition and belonging and safety) - more infomation about the Attendance Project on the ImpactEd website

Resources for school staff and other professionals

The Transition Project - Resources for Teachers  - Anna Freud Centre for Mental Health 2024 (Film, teaching resources for Y6/Y7) 

The Transition Storm - Beacon House Resources (pdf)

Supporting children through change and transitions (pdf) by Dr Pooky Knightsmith (Headteacher Update May 2025)

Equipping Autistic Students for Secondary School Life (pdf) by Dr Pooky Knightsmith

 Making the Leap. Transition - The Next Step (pdf) - Bullies Out (some good advice and information about transition with a focus on bullying. (PS the organisation is based in Wales so good highlight sources of support nearer home if  using the document 

Resources for Parents and Carers

Supporting Children and Young People's Transition to Secondary School - A guide for parents and carers  (pdf) - Anna Freud Centre for Mental Health  April 2025

Resources for Children and Young People

Transition MIssion  created by young people in Cornwall for young people in Cornwall 

Stepping into Secondary School (pdf) - Barnardos