Skip to main content

Transition to secondary school articles

Secondary school appeals
Can you successfully appeal your secondary school offer?
As secondary school offers arrive, many families find themselves contemplating their next move, including the possibility of appealing. Drawing from his wealth of experience as a primary-school head, Matt Revill provides invaluable guidance on navigating the often-daunting appeals process in this week's School Savvy blog.
Mother picking up toys in empty house
5 ways to overcome empty nest syndrome
Empty nest syndrome is normally associated with teenagers leaving for university but what about when your young one starts full-time at primary school? Lauren Crosby Medlicott's youngest child is about to do just that, leaving her with an empty house six hours a day. She shares her plan for coping with this big change.
Best laptops for secondary school
Best laptops for secondary school
Thinking of investing in a laptop for your Year 7 child? We asked computing students Tom and Noah to test a few different secondary school laptop options so you can get the best model your budget allows and set your child up for efficient homework and remote learning (at the right price!).
School uniform tips for parents
57 school uniform tips from parents, for parents
From buying the right kit to stopping it getting lost (perhaps!), we asked parents on social media for their advice on choosing, organising and labelling school uniform.
Road safety for tweens: the parents' guide
Road safety for tweens: the parents' guide
Travelling to school or to see friends alone is an important milestone for children at the end of primary school and moving to secondary, but pedestrian accidents peak at age 12. Help your child learn to travel safely with the Child Accident Prevention Trust's road safety action plan for tweens.
Summer science projects for Y6 to Y7 transition
Summer science projects for Y6 to Y7 transition
Help your child prepare for secondary-school-level work by supporting them with a summer science project. Caitlin Brown, Education Manager at the British Science Association, explains why devising, completing and presenting their own science investigation is one of the best ways for your child to prepare for Year 7 this summer – and great fun, too!
How to make online tutoring work for your child
How to make online tutoring work for your child
Is your child preparing for the 11+ or getting support with general studies? Two tutors share their advice on making the most of online tutoring.
Supporting summer-born children at primary school
Supporting summer-born children at school
Your child’s birthdate could make a big difference to how they manage at primary school. We asked the experts about the potential impact, and how you can help your child thrive.
What is the ISEB?
What is the ISEB?
We take a look at the work of the Independent Schools Examination Board and the tests it sets.
What is a tutor-proof test?
What is a tutor-proof test?
Is there such thing as a tutor-proof 11+ test? TheSchoolRun investigates.
Moving house for school places: what the law says
Moving house for school places: what the law says
Considering moving house or renting a property to secure a place at your first choice of school? We have the facts you need to know.
11+ explained for parents
11+ glossary for parents
Preparing for the 11+ grammar school entrance exam can be as steep a learning curve for you as it is for your child. Along the way, you’re likely to encounter terms that you’ve never seen before.
Grammar school appeal template
Secondary school appeals template: grammar schools
Appealing the decision not to award your child a grammar school place? Use our sample letter to get the ball rolling.
Secondary school appeals letter template
Step-by-step secondary school appeals template
If your child has missed out on their first choice of secondary school, use our free non-selective school appeals letter template to get your appeal rolling.
What are banding tests?
What are secondary school banding tests?
They’re used to ensure schools admit pupils across a range of abilities, but how do banding tests actually work?
Parent and child homework
Be your child’s own 11+ tutor: parents’ tips
Could your child pass the 11+ without a tutor? We asked parents for their top preparation tips and advice on DIY 11+ tutoring.
School waiting lists explained
School waiting lists explained
Missed out on a place at the school of your choice? Joining the waiting list could keep the door open for your child.
Secondary school children
The parents’ guide to secondary school: transition for SEN children
Children with additional needs can find moving on to secondary school extra difficult. We suggest strategies to smooth the way.
Child and teacher in the classroom
What is a special school?
If your child has special educational needs, a mainstream education may not be right for them. We take a look at how special schools could help.
What is a scholarship or bursary?
Applying for scholarships and bursaries
Considering a private school but worried about the fees? Financial assistance could help make the dream a reality. We explain everything primary-school parents need to know about scholarships and bursaries and how they work.
GCSEs explained for primary school parents
The parents' guide to secondary school: GCSE options
At the end of Key Stage 3, your child will be asked to choose their GCSE subjects. We take a look at how they select their options.
Secondary school students
The parents' guide to secondary school: discipline
All secondary schools must have clear policies for dealing with bad behaviour, and rewarding the good. We take a look at the various types of discipline and reward that may be used.
KS3 and KS4 curriculum
The parents' guide to secondary school: KS3 and KS4 explained
What will your child learn at school in KS3 and KS4? We take a look at the secondary school curriculum from Year 7 up.
Secondary school setting and streaming explained
The parents' guide to secondary school: setting and streaming
All secondary school pupils are, to some extent, taught in ability groups. We explain how setting and streaming works.
Secondary school pupils
The parents' guide to secondary school: types of school
Not sure whether your child would do best at an academy, free school or grammar school? We explain the different types of secondary school.
Secondary school homework a guide for parents
The parents' guide to secondary school: homework
The amount of homework your child has to do will increase dramatically when they start secondary school. We explain what's involved.
Secondary students studying
The parents’ guide to secondary school: assessment explained
Exams are part and parcel of secondary school life, but do you know exactly what assessments your child will take?
Secondary school performance measures explained for parents
The parents' guide to secondary school: performance measures
Every parent wants their child to go to a secondary school that will help them reach their potential. We explain how to interpret the league tables.
Stationery for secondary school
Secondary school stationery checklist
From sticky back plastic to 2B pencils and a scientific calculator, starting secondary school means stocking up on stationery! Make sure your child is well equipped with all the items they need for Y7 and beyond with our checklist.
Year 6 parent truths
30 things every Year 6 parent knows
Your child’s final year of primary school marks the end of an era. Here’s what every Year 6 parent learns during that emotional last year.
Child with mobile phone
Does your primary school child need a mobile phone?
‘Everyone else’ might have one, but does your primary-school child need a phone of their own, and how can you make sure they’re using it responsibly?
Children walking home from school
How to build your child's independence
Do you feel like you’re constantly nagging your child to get things done? Helping them develop their independent streak could help to break the trap.
Children playing in school playground
'Help! My child hasn't been offered a school place!'
Every year, a number of parents face the nightmare of not being offered a Reception place for their child in any local school. We explain what to do if the worst happens.
Pros and cons of single-sex primary and secondary education
Single-sex schools: the pros and cons
Would you consider a girls' school or boys' school for your child at primary or secondary level? We take a look at single-sex education and whether it’s right for your child.
Creative child at the blackboard
What is a Steiner school?
Steiner schools place an emphasis on preserving childhood, music and arts with an internationally recognised curriculum, but what actually takes place in the classroom?
What is a prep school?
What is a prep school?
A prep school education can be the stepping stone to a place at one of the UK's best secondary schools. We explain how the system works.
Child taking exam
How to handle the 11+ test day
Your child has done all their prep, and now the big day is looming. How can they make sure they do their best?
Pupils in school library
What is an all-through school?
More and more schools are opening up that provide education for all children from age three to 19. We look at the pros and cons of this new model of schooling.
Secondary school physics
6 of the best ways to get off to a great start at secondary school
Your "baby" is starting Year 7 – but are you ready to be a secondary-school parent? We asked Parentkind’s Policy & Communications Director and mum of two Michelle Doyle Wildman to share her "big school" parent experiences and tips.
Selective and super-selective schools explained
What are selective and super-selective schools?
Places at selective and super-selective schools are highly sought after, with many applicants for every place – but what's the difference between these types of school, and how does the application process work?