Moving On To Secondary School

KIDS for Families
NHS GGC
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decorative imageGoing to secondary school is an exciting time for young people and their families. Like any big change, everyone might be a little bit nervous. On these pages, you will find information and activities to help you prepare for this change.

This page is written for young people but parents and carers can use it to help them to support their young person too. The symbols below will help you to work your way through the resources.

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For Young People - look out for this symbol for activity ideas to practice.

For Parents - work with your child to provide support. Activities may need to be completed more than once.

  

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 Tips for Parents - Look out for this symbol if you are an adult looking at these pages.

 

Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear. Everyone will have feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives. Try to remember that you are not the only one to feel anxious. It is completely ok to worry about starting a new school, meeting new people, finding your way around and school being quite different.

There are things you can do to feel more in control of your anxiety. The managing anxiety video has some strategies and advice.

 

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Talk to your young person about starting secondary school. What do they think it will be like? What are they looking forward to? Is there anything they’re worried about?

 

 

Presentation Links

Conversation Starters World
Conversation Starters Worksheet
Coping Skills Grounding Technique Video
Coping Skills for Kids
Mindful Amazing
Mindfulness Activities for Teens
7 ADHD Mindfulness Exercises
NHS Healthy Sleep Tips
The Sleep Charity
Teen Sleep Hub
Sleep Scotland Tips for Teens
Pzizz Sleep App
WYSA Sleep Stories
Ninja Focus Mindfulness App
Awesome Breathing
CALM
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources

Organisation Skills

At secondary school you will have more subjects and be moving around between classes. You will have more homework, books and resources too. This means you will need to be a bit more organised and be able to manage your time and belongings to get everything done with less stress.

Sometimes simple, straightforward ideas can help to make life easier, both at home and in school. It may need a bit of trial and error to find out what works for you. Remember that putting in a bit of time and effort now to develop strategies will make your life a whole lot easier.

Visit our Organisation Skills page for strategies and advice.

Life Skills

Now you are going to secondary school you will want to be a bit more independent. Learning basic life skills is the first step to independence. You will find information and advice here about tying your laces and your school tie and managing your money.

Visit our Life Skills page for strategies and advice.

Other Resources

For more information about starting secondary school visit:

There is more information in our Secondary School section.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 16/05/2025

Next review date: 31/05/2026

Author(s): Specialist Children's Services.

Approved By: KIDS Content Group, SCS Clinical Governance Executive Group

Reviewer name(s): KIDS Content Group.