Starting at a brand new secondary or high school can be daunting.
But fear not… we've got your back at BBC Bitesize to help you chill and feel school ready.
If you're looking for some top tips to help you prepare and know what to expect, watch this video to hear from some secondary school students across the UK, sharing their hacks on how to navigate the first few weeks.
Stay positive and be yourself.
Student 1:
Be prepared. Be prepared is like the most important thing that you could do.
Student 2:
Get your uniform ready before school, because you don't want to be late.
Student 3:
Always have a pen because although they provide the books and the pencils, the pens is like the best thing that you could always keep in your blazer.
Student 4:
And come on time because, coming on time is really important because you don't want to get detention.
Student 5:
My top tip for starting Secondary School is probably doing your homework earlier rather than later.
Student 1:
You should really learn how to tie your own tie.
Student 6:
If you are worried or nervous about Secondary School and you don't feel confident talking to an adult, just because its really based on the person you are. If you have an older sibling, you can talk to them, but you can also talk to older teenagers, even if they're in a different Secondary School.
Student 7:
My top tip when you start Secondary School, I'd say is to be sociable and definitely get to meet new people because you know you'll be there for the next 5 to 7 years.
Student 4:
And also having a good, sort of, first impression is really important, because if you get off on the wrong foot with teachers, you end up just getting more attention drawn to you, and that's not something you want with Secondary School.
Student 8:
Don't pressurise yourself to do the best. Obviously do as good as you can, but there'll be loads of opportunities as well to do a lot of things.
Student 9:
There's always smiley faces around and really nice people, like older kids. You can always go to them for help.
Student 10:
You might be nervous about a lot of things - getting lost, being picked on, but there are teachers that are here that can help you. They look out for you and they can deal with any problems you have.
Student 11:
Stay positive and be yourself.
Dr Amir's top tips on getting ready for school
Watch Dr Amir answer some of the common questions students have before starting secondary school.
Dr Amir Khan:
You would have heard lots of stories about starting secondary school. Now, let's address the most common ones…
Student 1:
Will I get lost?
Dr Amir Khan:
Yes, maybe in the first week, but so does everyone else. Teachers expect it, and older students are often happy to help. If you have a map of your school, keep it with you in case you get lost and learn your timetable early so you know where you're going.
Student 2:
Are the teachers scary?
Dr Amir Khan:
No. They want you to do well, and many have seen thousands of Year 7s before you. They may appear strict, but that's usually to keep the class running smoothly.
Student 3:
What if I don't fit in?
Dr Amir Khan:
There's no one way to be in secondary school. It's tempting to change to fit in, but the best friendships happen when you stay true to yourself. The right people will find you for who you are. It may just take some time. You don't need to be super popular. Having one or two close friends is far more important.
Will I get lost?
Yes. Dr Amir says you will probably get lost in the first week, but so does everyone else. Everyone is in the same boat!
He explains: "Teachers expect it and older students are often happy to help. If you have a map of your school, keep it with you in case you get lost and learn your timetable early so you know where you're going."
Are the teachers scary?
No. Despite "appearing strict", Dr Amir explains how teachers want you to do well and that they have your best interest at heart.
He adds: "Many teachers have seen thousands of Year 7s before you. They may appear strict, but that's usually to keep the class running smoothly."
What if I don't fit in?
Lots of people worry about not fitting in when they start at a new school.
Dr Amir explains why it's important to stay true to yourself and not be "tempted to change."
The best friendships happen when you stay true to yourself. The right people will find you for who you are.– Dr Amir
"It may just take some time. You don't need to be super popular. Having one or two close friends is far more important."
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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