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Alarming trend emerges among Year 7 pupils

Pupils often stop enjoying school in Year 7
Pupils often stop enjoying school in Year 7 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
  • A study reveals a significant drop in school enjoyment for pupils during their first year of secondary education (Year 7).
  • The research, tracking over 100,000 pupils in England, found lower levels of enjoyment, trust, agency, and safety reported by Year 7 pupils, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Girls' feelings of safety decline more steeply than boys' between Year 7 and Year 9.
  • A strong correlation exists between engagement levels and attendance, with higher engagement linked to lower absenteeism.
  • The study emphasises the need for interventions and support services to address disengagement and ensure a positive learning environment for all pupils during the transition to secondary school.
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