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Transition to secondary school
Moving from primary to secondary school involves a degree of apprehension for most pupils and a minority of pupils experience a range of difficulties in adjusting to secondary school as shown by lower grades, poor attendance and increased anxiety. This study aims to identify factors that make a successful transition to secondary school more likely as well as to identify risk factors for a difficult transition. We are tracking a group of 2000 pupils as they make the transition from primary school to secondary school. We are collecting information on three occasions from pupils, parents and teachers and asking about pupils’ well-being, academic achievement, and their views about school and relationships with friends and teachers. We will investigate how friendships and relationships with teachers and parents can help pupils make a positive transition to secondary school. Our aim is to develop an evidence base in order to help support vulnerable pupils at the transition to secondary school.