Big transitions are a normal part of the secondary school journey, but that doesn’t make them easy. Whether students are stepping up into Year 7, settling into new year groups, choosing GCSE subjects or preparing for their exam years, these moments can stir up a mix of excitement, anxiety and uncertainty. And because teenage life is already full of identity-building, academic pressure and shifting social dynamics, transitions can feel even heavier than they appear on the surface.
When schools place student wellbeing at the centre of these change points, it can make an enormous difference to how confident, resilient and connected students feel. This guide explores why transitions are so emotionally significant for teenagers, what signs to look out for, and how schools can offer meaningful support, before introducing how PGL’s THRIVE programme strengthens these foundations even further.
Why student wellbeing matters even more during key transitions
Secondary students have a lot going on. School feels bigger, expectations increase every year, and friendships change fast. So, when something shifts, even something small, it can have a bigger impact than it may appear from the outside.
- Transitions can magnify everyday pressures – A student who normally copes well might suddenly feel overwhelmed by new routines, new expectations, or even just new faces. Change creates uncertainty, and uncertainty often brings worry.
- Older students don’t always say when they’re struggling – Once students reach secondary school, they’re far less likely to put their hand up and say “I’m finding this hard”. They might shrug things off, become quieter or more irritable, or throw themselves into work to avoid thinking about what’s bothering them.
- Feeling unsettled affects learning – If students don’t feel secure, it’s harder for them to focus, stay motivated or participate in lessons. Wellbeing support isn’t something extra on top of learning, it’s a key part of helping students engage and succeed.
- The support network gets wider – Younger pupils might rely heavily on one main teacher. In secondary school, students are navigating several subjects, different expectations and a more complex day-to-day routine. That shift alone can take time to adjust to.
Supporting students at these turning points gives them the confidence and stability they need to make the most of whatever comes next.
Common transitions that challenge secondary students
Secondary school is full of turning points that can unsettle students, even if they seem confident on the surface. Some changes are planned, others appear out of nowhere, but all of them can affect how secure, motivated and connected a young person feels.
These are the moments where a bit of extra reassurance, structure and consistency can make a huge difference.
Starting secondary school
The move from primary to secondary is one of the biggest shifts a young person goes through.
- A completely new environment – Larger buildings, multiple classrooms, rotating subjects and a faster-paced day all demand a level of independence most students haven’t experienced before.
- New social dynamics – Making friends, finding where they fit and navigating spaces filled with older students can feel daunting, even for those who seemed confident in Year 6.
- Higher academic expectations – Suddenly, they’re juggling homework from several teachers, learning new routines and trying to keep up with subjects that move more quickly and assume more responsibility.
Moving into a new year group or tutor group
Transitions don’t just happen when moving from year 6 to year 7, each school year offers a new set of challenges for students to overcome.
- New teachers and teaching styles – Students often worry about expectations and whether they’ll build a positive relationship with their new teachers.
- Shifting friendships – Secondary friendships can change rapidly. Moving into different classes or tutor groups can make some students feel like they’re restarting socially, even if they’re still surrounded by familiar faces.
- Increased responsibility each year – As students progress, expectations rise. They’re expected to be more organised, more mature and more self-sufficient, which can weigh heavily for some.
Choosing GCSE subjects and starting exam years
This is a milestone many students feel deeply, even if they don’t express it openly.
- Pressure to make “the right” choices – It’s common for students to worry that their GCSEs will define their future, leading to overthinking, self-doubt or seeking reassurance constantly.
- A sudden jump in workload – More assessments, revision, deadlines and long-term projects can feel overwhelming without steady support in place.
- Fear of falling behind – Students often compare themselves to their peers, which can increase stress during this stage.
Unexpected changes
Not all transitions follow the school calendar. Some appear suddenly and can knock a student’s confidence or sense of security.
- Joining a new school mid-year – Arriving partway through a term can leave students feeling behind both socially and academically, especially when everyone else already knows the routines.
- Changes at home – Family shifts, added responsibilities or uncertainty at home often spill into school life, making any existing transition feel even bigger.
- Friendship disruptions – Losing a close friend, experiencing fallouts or sudden changes in social groups can affect how settled students feel in school.
Spotting when a student might be struggling
Students don’t always talk openly about how they’re feeling, especially during times of change. Instead, the clues often show up in small shifts in behaviour. Noticing these early on can help you understand who might need a bit of extra reassurance or support.
Some signs to look out for include:
- Withdrawing or going unusually quiet
Pulling back in class, avoiding group work or sitting alone at breaktime can signal that a student feels overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure where they fit socially. - Sudden disorganisation
Missed deadlines, incomplete homework, or constantly forgetting equipment often reflect how settled a student feels. These behaviours are usually rooted in anxiety or uncertainty, not laziness. - Irritability or frustration
Teenagers rarely say, “I’m anxious about this change.” Instead, they might become irritable, impatient or unpredictable because they’re carrying worries they don’t know how to express. - Changes in attendance
Lateness, reluctance to attend certain lessons or absences around transition periods can signal that something in their environment feels difficult or uncomfortable. - Trying too hard
Some students respond to stress by pushing themselves relentlessly. They might overwork, overthink or avoid new tasks altogether because they’re scared of getting things wrong.
Spotting these signs early can help you step in gently, offer support and make sure students don’t feel like they’re handling big changes alone.
How to support students’ wellbeing during difficult transitions
Supporting students through change doesn’t always require big programmes or major interventions. Often, what makes the biggest difference is giving them clarity, connection and steady reassurance while they find their feet. Small, consistent actions can help students feel grounded and far more able to handle whatever’s new or unfamiliar.
Some key actions can be:
Clear communication
- Gives students a sense of what to expect – New routines, timetables and expectations are far easier to manage when they’re explained clearly, early and in a way students can revisit if they need to. Even simple details, where to go, who to ask for help, and what the first week will look like, can remove a huge amount of worry.
- Consistency helps routines feel safe – When staff use similar language, expectations and approaches, students feel more anchored. Routine and predictability help build confidence, especially when everything else around them is shifting.
Opportunities to rebuild or strengthen social confidence
- Structured group tasks – Activities that are easy to join, have clear roles and don’t rely on pre-existing friendships can help students reconnect or meet new peers without feeling exposed or judged.
- Support for quieter students – Not everyone feels comfortable jumping into new social situations. Thoughtful pairing, gentle encouragement or giving them a small role in a group can help them feel involved without being overwhelmed.
Normalising the emotions that come with change
- Talk openly about change, feeling uncomfortable – When students hear that nerves, uncertainty and mixed emotions are normal, it helps students see it as a natural response, not a weakness. taking away the pressure to appear fine all the time.
- Give them words to express what they’re feeling – Many young people struggle to name what they’re feeling. Offering simple, accessible ways to describe worry, stress, or excitement makes it easier for them to reach out for support when they need to.
Helping students build routines that support confidence
- Practical tools help reduce overwhelm – Simple strategies such as planning homework, breaking tasks into chunks or using reminders and small grounding exercises help students feel more in control.
- Let students take ownership where possible – Even small choices can rebuild confidence. Giving students input into group roles, revision approaches, or organisation strategies can help them feel capable and independent again when everything else feels new.
How residential experiences help students handle transitions
Residential offers something school can’t always provide: time and space away from daily pressures, where students can unwind, face new challenges and reconnect with themselves. When they’re supported by trusted adults and surrounded by their peers, these experiences can have a powerful impact on how they cope with change.
A safe space to build independence
Time away from home allows students to take responsibility for themselves in practical, age-appropriate ways. They’ll organise their kit, manage schedules, and support their peers, skills that encourage self-management and teamwork. These experiences help students develop confidence, resilience, and decision-making abilities, so they return to school better equipped for academic and social challenges.
Strengthened friendships and better teacher-student connections
Shared challenges, new activities and time spent together outside the classroom help friendships develop quickly and authentically. Students often come back feeling more settled within their year group, with stronger bonds both with peers and teachers, something that makes future transitions feel much less daunting.
Seeing themselves achieve goals outside of the classroom
Climbing a wall, completing a team challenge or trying an activity they’ve never attempted before can be a huge confidence lift. Students often surprise themselves, and that sense of achievement feeds directly into resilience, giving them evidence that they can handle tough or unfamiliar situations.
A fresh reset
A residential can act as a fresh reset when things feel chaotic or overwhelming. It gives students the chance to rebuild friendships, resolve tensions and return to school with a stronger sense of belonging, motivation and clarity, all of which make navigating change much easier.
Support students’ wellbeing during big transitions with PGL
Aligned with the Skills Builder Framework and Level 3 accredited PGL’s THRIVE! programme gives secondary students practical ways to feel more confident and settled during moments of change. Through a mix of adventure activities and guided reflection, students learn how to manage emotions, build stronger friendships, communicate clearly and handle pressure in healthier ways. Everything is designed to feel natural, engaging and genuinely useful for the situations they face back at school.
THRIVE! focuses on five core areas – taking notice, emotional management, positive relationships, problem solving and decision making, and self-worth. Together, these help students understand themselves better, trust others, feel more grounded and build resilience they can take into new school years, exam periods or any big transition beyond the classroom.
Explore the THRIVE! programme and see how it fits into your school’s wellbeing priorities. Or, get in touch with us today to start building a visit that supports student wellbeing and confidence.
