Three reasons your child might need to change schools
Jason Ursino
Jason Ursino
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There comes a time when parents and carers may start wondering whether their child’s school is the right fit for their personality and learning needs.
It’s not a decision to be made lightly, which you probably already know.
While it’s common for children to switch schools when moving to high school (aka ‘big kid school’), doing it for other reasons can sometimes disrupt their sense of stability and make it harder for them to settle in and thrive.
Research has found that frequent school moves can sometimes make it harder for children to stay engaged in learning. One national study even linked changing schools to an increased likelihood of students leaving early, particularly if school was already challenging for them.
On top of that, data from the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation suggests that changing schools can also impact reading and numeracy skills.
Despite this, school moves are quite common—around half of all children will move schools at least once before their 10th birthday, and according to Education NSW, about 54,000 students—roughly 7%—change schools each year.
Oftentimes, it’s for good reason. Here are three reasons you might consider moving your child to a new school.
1. If your child is feeling unsafe—physically or emotionally
If your child is struggling to feel safe at school, it’s important to take their concerns seriously. No child can thrive if they feel uncomfortable or at risk in an environment that should be supportive.
If they express worries about their safety, listen closely and work with their teachers and the school to explore possible solutions.
In many cases, schools might not be aware of what’s happening, and they may be able to help your child feel more at ease. Giving the school time—at least a term—to address any concerns can help avoid the disruption of an unnecessary move. However, if things don’t improve, it may be worth considering other options.
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2. If another school offers opportunities their current school does not
As children grow, their interests and passions can evolve, and sometimes their current school doesn’t offer the subjects or activities they’re eager to pursue.
This often comes up in high school, particularly in Year 11, when students start planning their next steps. If switching schools will help them follow their goals, it may be worth considering a move—ideally, before their final years of schooling.
That said, moving schools isn’t always the only solution. Some students explore external providers or tutors to access the subjects they need. UAC’s Subject Compass is a great resource for students wanting to map out their study pathways and explore their options.
At the end of the day, parents and carers want their children to feel happy and motivated at school. If a change could help them feel more engaged in their learning, it’s worth having a conversation about the possibilities.
3. If your child is struggling academically
If your child is finding school particularly challenging, isn’t making much progress, or seems unhappy and disengaged, a fresh start in a different environment may help them regain their confidence.
In some cases, a school may not have the resources needed to support them fully, or it might not be the best match for their learning style.
Of course, resilience and problem-solving are valuable life skills, so working with their current school to navigate challenges is always a good first step.
However, if your child is regularly coming home stressed or upset, and their struggles don’t seem to improve, it might be time to explore other options.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons why families consider changing schools. A move to a new area, bullying, shifting friendships, or a school that doesn’t quite meet a child’s academic or extracurricular needs can all be factors. With the right support, these changes don’t have to be overwhelming or disruptive.
If you’re weighing up whether to move schools, involving your child in the decision can help them feel more in control of the process.
When kids have a say in big life changes, they’re more likely to feel confident about the transition, which can also positively affect their overall well-being.
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Jason Ursino
Follow +Jason Ursino is the founder of Learning Space Tutoring and has been a qualified Mathematics teacher for over seventeen years. He is well-versed in understanding the different learning needs each student needs to excel. He is also a father and understands the challenges and concerns all parents have with raising children, ensuring the best education for their children and...