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As the academic year draws to a close, many schools begin preparing pupils for the exciting changes ahead. Whether students are moving into a new year group, transitioning to secondary school or joining a completely new setting, this period can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Creating positive transition experiences is an important part of helping pupils feel confident, settled and ready to learn from the start of term, reducing anxiety, strengthening relationships and building continuity.
Here are five practical ways schools can support successful transitions this half term and beyond.
1. Involve older pupils
One of the most effective ways to ease worries about change is by giving younger pupils the opportunity to hear directly from students who have already experienced the transition themselves.
Inviting older peers to share their experiences can help normalise common concerns and provide reassurance in a relatable and authentic way. Pupils are often more likely to engage with advice from someone closer to their own age, especially when it comes to practical questions about routines, expectations and school life.
This could include:
- Peer monitoring sessions
- Question-and-answer assemblies
- Transition videos created by current pupils
- Student-led tours or classroom visits
These activities not only support younger pupils but also help older students develop leadership, empathy and communications skills, strengthening your wider school community in the process.
2. Get started now
Transition days are a valuable opportunity to introduce pupils to the learning experiences they will encounter in the new academic year.
By familiarising students with classroom routines, expectations and learning programmes ahead of time, schools can help create a smoother and more confident start in September. Early exposure can also reduce cognitive overload during those first few weeks back, allowing pupils to focus on building relationships and engaging with learning.
For example, introducing incoming Year 7 pupils to Lexia PowerUp Literacy before the summer break can help ensure literacy interventions and independent learning routines feel familiar from the outset. This means less time spent navigating the new systems in September and more time focused on meaningful progress.
3. Get to know your students
Every cohort bring a unique range of strengths, interests and learning needs. Taking time to gather meaningful information about your incoming pupils can help staff tailor support more effectively and build positive relationships from the beginning.
Understanding pupils’ academic profiles alongside their personal interests can also help create a stronger sense of belonging during those first few weeks in a new environment.
Assessment and diagnostic tools can play an important role here. For example, Lexia’s Auto Placement activity provides a quick and efficient way to identify areas where students may require additional support, helping educators make informed decisions and target interventions early.
When teacher begin the new year with a clearer understanding of their pupils, it becomes easier to target teaching and support, making learning accessible and engaging for everyone.
4. Make sure your students get to know you
In addition to building new classroom routines, transition activities can also build trust and familiarity with the adults who will support them..
Providing transition materials with photographs, welcome messages and information about the classroom environment can help pupils feel more comfortable even before they arrive. This simple approach helps reduce uncertainty and allows students to begin forming connections ahead of September.
You might include:
- A short “meet the teacher” letter
- Photos of key staff members
- A virtual classroom tour
- Information about classroom routines or expectations
- Fun facts or hobbies to help pupils find common ground
These small touches can have a big impact, particularly for pupils who may feel anxious about change or unfamiliar environments.
5. Provide summer activities to help prepare your new students
Providing optional, accessible activities over the summer encourages continued engagement with literacy and learning in a low-pressure way. It also gives families an opportunity to feel involved in supporting the transition process at home.
Resources such as the Summer Reading Bingo challenges and Reading at Home activities are available in the myLexia Resource Hub. Theses quick, low pressure activities can help keep reading enjoyable and purposeful throughout the break, while reinforcing key literacy skills before pupils return in September.
Final Thoughts
Transitions can be a significant milestone in a child’s educational journey, but with the right support in place, they can also be a positive and empowering experience.
If you’d like to explore how Lexia can support smoother transitions in your setting, our team is here to help. Get in touch to discuss your school’s needs, see how other schools are using Lexia effectively during transition periods or arrange a short walkthrough of the programmes and reports in action.
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