Is your child starting secondary school in September?
Download the free insider guide to secondary school and discover what experienced teachers wish every parent understood before their child starts Year 7.
Feel prepared for your child’s first day
Free instant download for parents of children starting secondary school in September 2026.
What You'll Discover in This Guide...
✔ Why secondary schools operate so differently from primary schools, and what this means for your child
✔ How secondary schools are structured, so you know who to contact and when
✔ How to build positive relationships with your child’s new school
✔ Why the first term can feel confusing for parents, and how to navigate it calmly
✔ How to support your child’s growing confidence and independence without taking over
Secondary school works differently than most parents expect...
Children suddenly navigate multiple teachers, changing classrooms, friendship shifts, behaviour systems, increased independence and much less direct communication between school and home.
That’s often where parents realise 'I don’t fully understand this system'.
Without this understanding, many parents find:
• communication feels harder than expected
• they’re unsure who to contact
• small issues become bigger than they need to be
Designed by JOE PARDOE
Joe has worked as a teacher and school leader for over fifteen years - in the UK and abroad. He has appeared at the Education Select Committee in the House of Commons, he is a published author and holds a Masters in Education Leadership. As well as his work in schools, he has been an education consultant for a number of BBC Bitesize productions and delivers a module on Education Innovation at the University College Dublin.
Since becoming a dad to two sons, Joe has dedicated his time to empowering parents with his insider wisdom to empower them to navigate the school system with confidence. His 5* rated courses have saved hundreds of parents time, stress and worry.