School transitions are complex – they can be influenced by a students’ personality as well as by their family, friends, school, neighbourhoods, and broader communities. Support and input from these influences can help students transition successfully to the next stage of their learning.

For some students, transition can be largely positive, but for others it can be somewhat challenging. Students’ grades or their engagement and motivation at school can be affected by changing schools. Students’ wellbeing may also be challenged during the transition period.

It is important that we all check whether students are ok during their school transition. Students are best supported in their transition by having good relationships with their family and friends and participating positively in communities outside of school.

Research conducted by ACER in 2021 asked students what were the main challenges related to school transition. Students said they needed to know about:

• how their new school operates (campus maps, timetables, how to not get lost/be late);
• academic work (how difficult the work is, and what to do if it is too difficult);
• workload (how much work/homework there is, and how to get it all done);
• social elements (how to make new friends and keep in touch with old friends; what to do when friends are unfriendly); and
• school-life balance (how to make sure there was still time for sports, hobbies and relaxation).