Transition to secondary school articles
Transition time: what Year 6 parents need to know
In this week's School Savvy blog, primary headteacher Matt Revill explains how Year 6 children gear up for the big leap to secondary school. From tackling anxieties to celebrating primary school memories, find out how schools try to make this transition smooth and exciting for your child.
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.
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
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!).
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
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
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
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 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?
We take a look at the work of the Independent Schools Examination Board and the tests it sets.
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
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+ 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.
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.
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 secondary school banding tests?
They’re used to ensure schools admit pupils across a range of abilities, but how do banding tests actually work?
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
Missed out on a place at the school of your choice? Joining the waiting list could keep the door open for your child.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
'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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.