Overview

• A national study tracking over 100,000 pupils found that one in four disengage during the transition from primary to secondary school in England.
• Average enjoyment scores drop significantly from 6.0 in Year 6 to 3.8 in Year 7, with further declines in subsequent years.
• Female pupils report feeling increasingly unsafe, with safety scores falling more sharply for girls than boys between Years 7 and 9.
• Students eligible for Free School Meals experience lower levels of trust, belonging, and enjoyment, with disparities widening throughout secondary school.
• The Department for Education and education leaders are calling for targeted interventions, mental health support, and curriculum reforms to address these challenges.