Supporting Transition in Education

With Kirsten Colquhoun, education consultant, author, and pastoral lead in an HMC school

Transitions within education can be exciting milestones, but they can also bring significant academic, social, emotional, and organisational challenges. When these challenges are not effectively addressed, the impact can be felt well and frequently influence attendance, attainment, confidence, and ambition. This evidence-informed session explores why transition matters so deeply and how schools, particularly through-schools, can get support pupils within the same organisation, as well as those joining for the first time in Year 7 or after.  The session will explore change theories, the impact of transitions and explore practical ways to support them. We will rather explore transition as a process, than a single event, focusing on the three key phases: preparation, adjustment, and integration.  Practical strategies and recommendations are shared to help schools build continuity, reduce risk, and ensure all students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

The session will cover:

• Key transition points in education, including the move from primary to secondary
• How through-schools can maximise continuity and support new pupils
• The three phases of transition: preparation, adjustment, and integration
• The academic, social, emotional, and organisational challenges of transition
• How to support both existing pupils and new pupils adjust.