Moving schools

Starting at a new school

There are lots of reasons you may need to move school. You might be going to secondary school, or moving somewhere new.

Sometimes people have to move schools after being taken into care or moving foster families. People who are claiming asylum might need to move schools a lot too.

You might be worried about:

being bullied or not fitting in
not knowing your way around
getting on with teachers or staff.

Starting a school can be scary, but there are things you can do to cope and help you feel positive.

4 things to remember:

plan how you’ll get there
pack everything you’ll need
make notes about your timetable and homework
ask an adult you trust if you’re not sure.

Tips for starting a new school

Plan how you're getting there

Being prepared for how you’re going to get to your new school can help you to feel calmer and more confident.

If your parent or carer is taking you, it can help to plan what you need to do to be ready on time. If you’re going on your own, make sure you know the way.

Prepare what you'll need

It can take time to adjust when you start at a new school. Especially if you’re moving from primary to secondary school or going to college for the first time.

There are lots of things you can do to make sure you’re prepared:

find out what you need to take like pens, pencils or a calculator
make a note of your lesson timetable
write down your homework and when it’s due so you don’t forget.

Remember that your new school might have different rules or expectations. If you’re ever not sure, ask a teacher or an adult you trust.

Ask questions

It can be scary when you don’t know who to talk to at school if you’re worried. Teachers are there to help, but you can also ask reception staff or the school nurse if you need support.

Some schools will have mentors or other pupils who are there to support you. If you don’t feel comfortable asking for support at school, you can speak to your parents or carers or to an adult you trust.

Get to know people

If you’re starting a new school on your own you might feel anxious or scared people won’t like you. Or even that they might bully you. It can feel lonely when you don’t know anyone. But there are things to make things easier.

Positive body language can really help when making friends. Try smiling, looking the person in the eye and speaking clearly and confidently.

Practise going up to someone new. The more you try the easier it can be. Try our top tips for making friends or get support from other young people on the message boards.

It can take time to make new friends. If you’re worried about break or lunch times you could find out if you can use the library or ICT rooms until you feel more confident.

Talk about it

Whether your first day was great or awful, it can help to talk about it. Saying what you found difficult can help you to think of ways to cope and help you to feel better.

You could speak to your parents or carers, a friend or a Childline counsellor.

Need some advice?

Find out about asking an adult for help

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Going to secondary school

Secondary school can be great. But it can also be confusing or overwhelming. You may be worried about a number of things - but we've got advice to help you.

Making new friends

It's natural to be scared about making new friends. Even if you’ve got lots of friends going to the same school as you. It's important to remember it can take time to make friends. And you shouldn't be hard on yourself if you don't make friends straight away.

Finding your way around

The office staff in your secondary school should be able to help you if you can’t find where you’re supposed to go. And sometimes older pupils will be there to help you settle in and answer questions if you’re unsure.

Schoolwork and homework

It's normal to worry about schoolwork and homework or feel confused sometimes. But not understanding something doesn't mean you're stupid. If you need help, talk to a parent or carer or your secondary school teacher.

New ways of learning

It can feel like there’s a lot more to learn at secondary school. But it’s normal to take time to adjust to new ways of learning. Everyone learns in different ways. You just have to find a way that suits you.

Going to boarding school

Being away from home at boarding school can be tough. It can be difficult living away from your family. But it’s rewarding too. Boarding school is a chance to:

be independent
learn how to cope in a new environment
discover new things
meet new people and friends.

Here are some tips to help you tackle homesickness and make the most of your experience:

Try something new

When we learn new skills it helps build our confidence and can be a good distraction. Instead of sitting alone thinking about being in another place, we’re focused on mastering something new, which is satisfying and fun.

Send gifts back home

Make something to send to your family and friends at home. Stay in contact and give your days a fun purpose. It also gives you something to look forward to when you receive something back.

Take a break from Skype

It’s great to stay in contact with everyone while you’re at boarding school, but if you’re spending too many hours talking about how life is back home, you could miss opportunities to explore and connect with your new space.

Create a routine

Get in the habit of exercising or meditating at the beginning or end of each day. Or you could try having a bath or shower to relax. Creating healthy habits can help boost your energy and happiness levels, which could make you feel less anxious and homesick.

Join a club

Find something you enjoy and join a club to meet like-minded people. If there isn’t a club for what you want to do, why not talk to a teacher about starting one?

Building confidence and self-esteem

Feel like you have no confidence? Try our tips to boost your self-esteem.

Coping with anxiety

Get advice on how to cope with anxiety.

Missing your friends

Moving to a different school can mean an exciting new start. But it can also mean leaving people you’re close to.

It’s normal to worry about losing touch with your friends. But moving away doesn’t mean that you can’t ever see them again.

It can help for you and your friends to set time aside to speak to each other.

You can also share how you’re feeling with your parents or carers. They can help you feel better or might be able to arrange for you to see your friends in the school holidays.

How to keep in touch with friends

There are loads of ways to keep in contact:

send an email
chat on social-networking sites
phone and text.