Children's Health / 4 June, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
Starting secondary school is one of the biggest milestones in childhood, and, if we’re honest, often one of the most emotionally charged for parents, too.
From agonising over school choices and friendship groups to worrying about long commutes, organisation, bullying, overwhelm and whether your child is actually ready for such a huge leap, the move to Year 7 can feel daunting for the whole family.
In this episode of Parental Control, Ellie Thompson is joined once again by education expert Katharine Radice to discuss how parents can support children through the transition to secondary school with confidence.
Together, they explore how to choose the right school without becoming consumed by league tables and pressure, why the “best” school isn’t always the best fit, how to build independence before September, what to expect emotionally in those early weeks and how transitions can feel different for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety or additional needs.
A practical, reassuring listen for any parent preparing to wave goodbye at the Year 7 gates.
Katharine Radice is an education expert, author of The Parent’s Guide to Exam Stress, and has spent more than 20 years working with teenagers and their families, supporting students through the pressures of secondary school, exams and university preparation.
A former secondary school senior leader, Katharine has extensive experience in both school and university teaching, alongside a deep understanding of adolescent development, academic pressure and long-term student success. She currently combines freelance writing, coaching and consultancy with part-time teaching at a Cambridge secondary school and a pastoral role at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, while advising schools in the UK and internationally on exam stress, parent support and student wellbeing.
The Parent’s Guide to Exam Stress is a new release and available via all usual booksellers.
Website: katharineradice.co.uk
To join Katharine’s mailing list for a fortnightly conversation piece about supporting children through school, it’s https://katharineradice.
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