Making the Move to Senior School: Top Tips for Parents and Pupils
With the new school year approaching, Head of Lower School at Harrogate Ladies’ College, Mrs Jo Griffin, shares some top tips for parents and pupils on preparing for senior school.
Jo Griffin and Highfield Prep School pupils
Starting senior school is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and potentially nerve-wracking experiences for both parents and pupils. As a parent and the person responsible for all Year 7 pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College, I have seen and experienced most of the things that this time of year can produce. A seemingly endless supply of information, emotions and questions can overwhelm even the most organised family, but with the countdown on to September, here are my top tips for families about to go through this formative experience.
Encourage independence
Now is the time for parents to consciously continue building their children’s independence. Having school uniforms prepared and in the same place, using a planner or diary, labelling equipment and getting confident with the journey to school can build confidence in the summer, and begin good habits ahead of September.
As difficult as it can be, this is also a chance for parents to let go a little. At senior school, pupils are increasingly the ones communicating with teachers if they forget something, not relying on parents to sort it out on their behalf. This is a shift for parents, but this increased responsibility is all part of the growing up. As pupils transition to senior school, informal contact between parents teachers – such as in the playground after school starts to reduce. Schools are here to support both parents and pupils through that transition into greater independence.
Another key message is around resilience, and helping pupils understand that it is okay to get things wrong. What matters is how they respond. We want them to ask questions, seek help, and learn from the experience. That is a crucial life skill we want all of our pupils to develop.
It is all part of encouraging independent young people to take ownership of their journey and not panic when things go wrong. We are here to support that growth.
Immerse in the school community
Jo Griffin and Highfield Prep School pupils
Beginning life at senior school opens up so many opportunities for young minds to explore new and exciting pathways. Extra-curricular activities and clubs are a wonderful way for pupils to immerse themselves in the school community, and I would recommend trying as many as possible. Clubs not only foster knowledge and individual passions, but they are a wonderful way to form friendships across year groups.
Remember, help is all around
That first goodbye on day one of senior school is not one to be underestimated. We are mindful that the jump from junior to senior can feel big, but please know that help is always there for families.
For parents, one of the biggest concerns is missing information about sports fixtures, extra-curricular activities and more, which can feel stressful. Staying connected with the school’s calendar and looking out for school emails is a great way to see what is coming up. If you are unsure, do not be afraid to ask –office staff, form tutors and teaching staff are always happy to help. For pupils, we find one of their biggest fears is getting lost around school, but often if they are lost, they are lost together! There is always someone willing to lend a hand and happy to guide them.
Develop a confident, pupil-driven routine
Time management skills are crucial in everyday life, and beginning senior school is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to hone those skills and figure out what works, and what does not.
Our form time programme at the start of Year 7 is designed to help pupils think about their time management skills and assist with developing their day-to-day routines. This is crucial to developing a confident routine, as navigating a timetable with multiple teachers and classrooms is a major change from junior school, where pupils are used to having one teacher in one classroom.
These routines will not develop overnight, and there will be minor hiccups along the way, but we encourage a proactive approach to solving problems. For example, if our newest pupils forget their homework, we encourage them to speak to the teacher beforehand or send an email, rather than turning up and hoping for the best. We want them to take ownership of their learning, rather than rely on parents to step in.
Senior school is the start of an incredible adventure. A strong support network, positive mindset and a willingness to get out of their comfort zone are crucial to all Year 7s settling in. Stay connected, trust the process, and take comfort in knowing that help is all around.
By Mrs Jo Griffin, Head of Lower School
