Emotional wellbeing

Find out about emotions you may have when starting at a new school and who you can talk to about them.

Starting a new school can bring lots of different feelings. You might feel excited, worried, happy, nervous or even all of these at the same time.

Many children told us they felt nervous before their first day. They also told us they missed their friends, teachers and the things they were used to at their old school. Other children were excited to have a fresh start and meet new people.

Speak to someone you trust

You can talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling when moving school. This could be a parent, carer, teacher or another adult. Some schools also have activities that help children share how they are feeling.

It takes time

Children told us that things got easier once they got to know the school, made friends and learned the new routines.

Young person and older adult talking on a park bench.

Don’t be scared. You’re going to be fine. You’re going to make loads of new friends. (Keira, Year 4)

Chill out. It is stressful at first but try to relax as much as possible. (Omar, Year 10)

Jayden’s Story

Jayden was 14 when his family moved to a new house. This meant he had to leave the school he knew and start at a different secondary school. The thing he worried about most was leaving his friends behind, especially his best friend. He tried to stay in touch by messaging and talking online, but he still missed seeing his friends every day.

Jayden felt nervous about starting somewhere new. He was worried about making friends and finding his place in a new school.

When Jayden started at his new school, he found it hard to talk about how he was feeling. Some days he felt lonely, even though people were friendly.

His school had a feelings box where pupils could share worries, questions or feelings by writing them down and posting them in the box. A member of staff regularly checked the box and spoke with pupils if they needed support. Jayden found this much easier than having to ask for help face-to-face.

Over time, these conversations helped Jayden feel understood and supported. As he got to know other pupils and settled into school life, he became more confident and started to build new friendships while still keeping in touch with his old ones. By the end of the year, he felt that his new secondary school had become a place where he belonged.