Struggling with the Move to Secondary School? How Academic Coaching Can Help.
For many families, the move from primary to secondary school is one of the most exciting — and most challenging — transitions in education. New teachers, bigger classrooms, a heavier homework load, and the social dynamics of a larger school community can make the change feel overwhelming.
It’s no surprise that some students struggle with this step up. In fact, it’s common for children who excelled in primary school to suddenly find themselves falling behind or losing confidence when faced with the demands of secondary school.
Why the Transition Can Be Difficult
Increased workload – More subjects, more homework, and more independent study than before.
New routines – Juggling timetables, switching classrooms, and keeping track of multiple teachers’ expectations.
Social pressures – Navigating friendships, fitting in, and dealing with a larger peer group.
Organisation challenges – Remembering materials, meeting deadlines, and planning ahead.
Even capable students can find that the pace and independence expected at secondary school comes as a shock.
What Parents Can Do
As a parent, it can be hard to know how to help. Reminders and encouragement go so far, but if your child is stressed, falling behind, or losing confidence, you may feel like you’re constantly firefighting. What they often need isn’t just more reminders — it’s structured guidance to develop the skills secondary school demands.
How Academic Coaching Helps
This is where academic coaching makes the difference. Unlike traditional tutoring, which focuses only on subject knowledge, academic coaching helps students build the skills and mindset to thrive at secondary school:
Executive function support – Learning how to organise, plan, and manage time effectively.
Study skills – Developing strategies for note-taking, revision, and independent learning.
Confidence-building – Tackling self-doubt and fostering resilience when the workload feels tough.
Holistic support – Balancing academics with wellbeing, so students don’t just survive secondary school but actually enjoy it.
At Manor Tutoring, our academic coaches work with students to make the transition smoother. We help them set realistic goals, manage their workload, and build a toolkit of skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Turning Struggle Into Success
The step up to secondary school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, students can move from struggling to thriving — and discover the independence, confidence, and resilience that secondary school is meant to nurture.
If your child is finding the transition difficult, academic coaching can be the missing piece that helps them not only catch up but move ahead with confidence. Get in touch today to find out if academic coaching is right for you.
