Bromley Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) - 10 to 16 years old - School changes
School is a big part of life, so it’s important to feel happy there.
If you’re scared or anxious about moving from one school year to another, there are things you can do to make it better.
These will also help if you have to change your school.
You might be experiencing changes at school which make it very different. This can mean that how you feel about schools might change too.
Whatever’s happening, there are things that can help you prepare.
Getting ready
Write down your worries and hopes
Write down everything you’re looking forward to at school, and everything you’re worried about.
You could show the list to an adult you trust so that they can help you cope with the worries.
Ask questions
Ask your parents, carers or teachers about anything you’re not sure about. You could ask about things you’ll need at school, who will be in your lessons or anything else that’s on your mind.
Prepare yourself before going back
Make sure you pack your bag before going back, and that you’ve got your uniform if you wear one.
If you’re not used to getting up early, it can help to start setting an alarm and going to bed earlier before you start back.
Use a mood journal
A mood journal can help you to let your feelings and worries out. Why not use it to write about how you’re feeling before going to school, and how it’s gone after.
Take your time
It can take time to adjust to changes at school, and it’s okay if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first. Even when you’re back at school, make time every day to do something you enjoy.
And remember, don’t put pressure on yourself to settle into the changes quickly. Let it happen naturally. Be best friends with your own mind.
Moving from primary to secondary school
The leap from primary school to secondary school or from secondary school to college can feel huge.
You may be worried:
- You won’t fit in
- Your workload will be too much to handle
- You won’t make new friends
- You don’t know what the teachers will be like
It’s important to remember there will be others that are in the same boat as you. You can even talk to someone in your class about how weird being in a new school is. Think of it as a bonding session.