Young People's Experiences of Starting Secondary School: Transitional Pressures, Challenges, and Support Needs

Newby, Lucy and Gray, Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1546-9333 (2023) Young People's Experiences of Starting Secondary School: Transitional Pressures, Challenges, and Support Needs. Research Report. Manchester Centre for Youth Studies.

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Abstract

Young people consulted for this research study widely reported that the transition from primary to secondary school was fraught with pressures and challenges. Whilst each young person’s educational journey was complex and highly personal, most young people reported struggling to adjust to the secondary school environment. A majority of young people felt that, overall, moving from Year 6 to Year 7 had resulted in a less enjoyable and less safe educational experience. Young people were highly aware of their support needs in the first two years of secondary school and were clear about their wish to actively participate in shaping future support interventions. It is the view of this report that meaningful and ongoing youth participation could be a key strength of the SAFE programme and associated interventions if facilitated consistently.