The moment in a child’s educational journey when they find less enjoyment in going to school to has been revealed by researchers.

A study by the Research Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators found that pupils’ enjoyment of school drops sharply during their first year of secondary education. This can be seen by a stark decline in reported enjoyment levels commonly appearing between Year 6 and Year 7, when most pupils move to secondary school.

The research, conducted by ImpactEd Group, tracked data from over 100,000 pupils across England during the 2024/25 academic year.

It revealed a worrying trend: Year 7 pupils consistently reported lower levels of enjoyment, trust, agency, and even safety, between autumn and spring terms. This decline paints a concerning picture of the transition experience for many young people.

The study also highlighted disparities linked to socioeconomic background. Pupils eligible for Free School Meals reported lower levels of enjoyment, trust, and belonging compared to their peers.

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Alarmingly, these gaps widen as pupils progress through secondary school, raising concerns about equitable access to a positive learning environment.

To gauge pupil engagement, the research employed a 0-10 reporting scale, asking questions designed to capture emotional, cognitive, and behavioural engagement.

On average, pupils in England responded to the statement “I feel happy to go to school in the morning” with a score of around 4.6 out of ten.

The average school enjoyment score falls from around 6 among pupils in Year 6 to 3.8 for pupils in Year 7 and to 3.2 for pupils in Year 8, the study found.

The report said the findings point towards Year 7 being “a key point when pupils’ enjoyment of school suffers a substantial decline.”

Girls reported feeling marginally safer than boys at school during primary school, but between Year 7 and Year 9 girls increasingly feel less safe at school than their male peers, the research suggested.

Data shows that feeling safe in schools falls from 7.21 in Year 7 to 5.89 in Year 9 for female pupils, and from 7.40 to 6.55 for male pupils.

The study, led by Professor John Jerrim from UCL Institute of Education (IOE), raises questions about how to approach the transition to secondary school.

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It suggested there is a “strong link” between headline engagement scores and attendance among secondary pupils.

Secondary pupils in the top 25% of headline engagement scores are 10 percentage points less likely to be persistently absent than pupils in the bottom 25% of headline engagement scores.

Dame Sue John, chairwoman of the Research Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators, said: “It is crucial that we identify the points at which pupils are starting to disengage with school, so that we can intervene to stop a disconnection leading to non-attendance and poorer outcomes.

“This research provides rich and nuanced insights into pupil engagement at a school and classroom level, which will enable leaders to act fast and understand more complex dynamics in their schools, such as what is happening at age 11 for different pupil groups.”

Margaret Mulholland, Send and inclusion specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “The transition between primary and secondary school is a hugely important stage of a child’s education. It can also be an unsettling time where issues with anxiety and behaviour can arise.

“As this study shows, a drop in engagement during this period can be hugely detrimental to a pupil’s wellbeing and attainment.

“It is therefore vital that schools are able to access specialist support services that can break down any barriers preventing pupils from feeling happy and secure at school.

“This must include support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and for those suffering from poor mental health – services which are too often out of reach of schools.”

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: “Through our Plan for Change, we are determined to give young people growing up in our country the best start.

“Our independent, expert-led curriculum and assessment review will ensure all children enjoy a cutting-edge school experience that leaves them ready for work and ready for life.

“This Government continues to break down barriers to opportunity, including through expanding mental health support, so all pupils are able to achieve and thrive in school.”

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