SENIOR SCHOOL AHEAD: REASSURANCE FROM FORMER PUPILS
The move from prep school to senior school is a big step for every Year 6 pupil. With September drawing closer, it’s natural to feel both excited and nervous about this new beginning. To help ease those worries, and as part of Mental Health Awareness Week this year, our Cricklade Manor Prep invited five former classmates—now in Year 7—to return and share their experiences.
Our Year 6 pupils thoughtfully prepared a set of questions, asking everything from how to find classrooms to making new friends. The visiting pupils spoke openly and honestly, offering reassurance and plenty of practical advice.
Read on to discover the questions raised by our Year 6 pupils, and the reassuring responses offered by our former pupils:
Q: One of the biggest worries about moving to senior schools is that we won’t make any friends. Do senior schools do anything to support this aspect?
A: All our schools actively encouraged us to make an effort, take ourselves out of our comfort zone and speak up. They offered induction days and a ‘Year 7 only’ return to school day to allow us time to familiarise ourselves with the school site and routines without the hustle and bustle of a busy school with everyone in. This gave staff time to focus on us.
Q: How did you feel on the first day when you started?
A: We all felt nervous, anxious and worried. You will too, don’t think you are alone. Everyone has these feelings, but talk to your parents, teachers and your friends. Don’t be alone and get isolated.
Q: What advice do you have for someone starting senior school on the first day?
A: Ask if you don’t understand, speak up and make yourself heard. Challenge yourself to feel uncomfortable. Don’t just go into yourself and hide.
Q: What are your class sizes like? Is it harder to stay focused in class, and does the school have any strategies to help you focus?
A: All schools are different. Our schools are not the biggest, and class sizes are not dissimilar to Cricklade Manor Prep. However, we are aware that lots of schools have specific strategies for keeping pupils focused and on task. Familiarise yourself with the school’s expectations on behaviour and take the values that you have learnt at Cricklade Manor Prep, as these will ensure that you do the right thing.
Q: What essential snacks do you recommend taking to help you get through the day?
A: Make sure you follow the rules on taking snacks to school. Most will not allow nuts. However, take what you enjoy and plenty of them. Don’t allow yourself to get hungry and take your focus off your studies.
Q: Most of the senior schools are much bigger than Cricklade Manor Prep. Do senior schools help with learning your new surroundings?
A: Some schools provide maps and clear instructions to help you get around. Don’t be afraid to ask. Everyone was new at one point. The other pupils will help.
Q: What is your favourite part of being at senior school?
A: Opportunity, opportunity and more opportunity. We have more freedom and lots of different clubs, activities and new subjects to enjoy. Make the most of every day!
Q: Did your parents travel to school with you on the first day?
A: Some did and others did not. It is down to personal circumstances and individual choice. If you are scheduled to get the bus, don’t be worried about it and try to make the bus journey a positive part of the day. Embrace it!
Q: Is it tough travelling so much further to school each day? What advice do you have for those of us who are going to have a longer day?
A: Take time to get organised, know what you need for the next day and have it ready. Don’t rush around in the morning and start the day on the back foot. Get plenty of sleep and enjoy the lie-ins during the holidays!
The session left our Year 6 pupils feeling reassured and more confident about the changes ahead. They realised that while starting senior school can be daunting, it’s also exciting—full of new opportunities, friendships, and experiences.
We are extremely grateful to our former pupils for giving up their time and sharing their journeys so openly. Their honesty and encouragement provided real comfort to our Year 6s, who now know that their worries are completely normal—and that support is always there when needed.
We wish every child a fantastic start to the new academic year—whether you’re beginning school for the very first time, moving up to a new class, or starting senior school. May your year be filled with learning, growth, and joy.