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Original poster

Can someone reassure me about DD starting secondary?

51 replies

ButtCheeks · 18/07/2025 06:06

DD starts secondary in September. The school is very highly rated and has excellent results. It is known for being very strict.

We went to the introductory meeting/presentation thing, and I have to say, it killed my soul a little bit.
They have 5 minutes between lessons to get to the next one, one 20 min break in the morning, and half an hour for lunch.

They were saying they expect 100% focus at all times during lessons, absolutely no lateness, and I imagine any bathroom trips must be during breaks.

Am I being a bit ridiculous in thinking this sounds gruelling? I mean, obviously thousands of students do this on a daily basis and do just fine. I’m all for healthy discipline and structure and not taking the piss but why do I feel a sense of dread for my kids entering this institution?

DD is great academically and socially and is a very switched-on, creative child and would no doubt be fine so I wonder why I’m struggling with this perfectly normal transition.

I also worry pre-emptively about DS (8) who is summer born and how he will do when the time comes.

How did your kids cope in year 7?

OP posts:
AlwaysFreezing · 18/07/2025 06:23

I think it's because when faced with a school like this it feels like their starting point is that the kids are all a bit shit and that they need a firm hand.

On an individual basis this doesn't reflect your daughter. So yeah, it feels like shes been sent somewhere where they have a dim view of her ability to focus.

But on a school population level having rules means the school runs smoothly.

Its done now. Focus on preparing your daughter for the new way, whether a school is super strict or not it's a massive change from being the oldest in school and being more or less in one classroom with one teacher all day and the youngest in a school.

And lots of kids take a while to settle into year 7. So be prepared for teething issues.

I hear you, and I feel for you. But it will probably be ok! Hold onto that.