The end of the school year can bring a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation for primary school children. While many look forward to the summer holidays, some may quietly begin to worry about what lies ahead—especially the transition to a new year group. As a parent, it’s important to recognise these concerns and offer reassurance and support to help your child feel confident about the changes to come.
One of the most common worries children express is about not being in the same class as their friends. This can happen if a school’s policy is to mix the class groups each year. Some schools will entertain changes, others do not. At this age, friendships are central to a child’s sense of security and belonging. The idea of being separated from a close friend due can feel overwhelming. It helps to acknowledge their feelings and gently encourage them to see this as an opportunity to make new connections while still nurturing their existing friendships during playtimes or after school.
Another concern is getting used to a new teacher. Children often form strong attachments to their current teacher and worry that their new one might be stricter, less kind, or unfamiliar. You can ease this anxiety by talking positively about the new teacher - perhaps they have a great sense of humour, actively share one of your child’s interests such as football or a love of Taylor Swift, or are known for fun classroom activities. Many schools also offer transition days or meet-the-teacher sessions, which can help your child build a sense of familiarity before September.
Children may also worry about the increased workload or expectations in the next year group. You can reassure them that learning builds gradually and that their new teacher will help them every step of the way. Reflecting on how much they’ve already grown and learned in the past year can boost their confidence and show them they’re ready for the next step.
How to help. Encourage your child to share any worries they have, no matter how small they may seem. Listening without minimising or dismissing their concerns helps them feel heard and supported. Sometimes, a simple routine like a quiet bedtime chat or a drawing activity can open the door to valuable conversations. Books which involve relatable characters struggling and overcoming similar challenges can also help your child at this tricky time. See below for our reading suggestions.
Change is always a little daunting, especially for young children, but with your encouragement and the right preparation, moving up a school year can become an exciting new adventure rather than something to fear.
Team Jenny Many recommends the books below where characters navigate this kind of change...
Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival – not specifically around school based concerns, when it comes to worries and how to deal with them, this picture book has all bases covered.
The Friendship Bench by Wendy Meddour – a gentle story about new beginnings and making new and unexpected connections.
Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton – a fantastic new teacher breathes new energy into a boy’s school life.
Planet Omar by Zanib Mian – In this highly illustrated chapter book, Omar’s parents have decided to move house and move him to a new school all at the same time.
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow – this award-winning book is written in first-person free verse and tells the raw story of Nate, a vulnerable but sparky boy who is moving into Year 6 but is suddenly separated from his best friend.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf – On a perfectly ordinary school day, a new boy joins 9-yr-old narrator Alexa’s class. Ahmet is a refugee from Syria. This is a story about friendship and new perspectives.
Wonder by R J Palacio – 10 year old Auggie has a severe facial deformity but is moving into mainstream schooling after being homeschooled. A wonderful story about resilience, friendship and empathy.