Starting secondary school can be exciting, but for many young people it can also feel overwhelming.
New routines, new friendships and bigger environments can bring anxiety at a time when confidence matters most.
That’s where Half Moon’s Next Steps programme comes in.
Supported by Young Tower Hamlets (Youth Services), the programme uses drama and creativity to help young people build confidence, resilience and stronger social connections as they move from primary to secondary school.
Now in its ninth year, Next Steps supports Year 6 pupils through weekly sessions, summer schools and continued after-school activity into secondary school.
Designed for young people who may need extra support, it creates a safe space where participants can express themselves, explore real-life challenges and develop the skills to navigate change.
The impact is clear. This year, 124 young people attended five or more sessions, exceeding programme targets, with more than 3,200 engagements across the year.
Evaluation also showed a significant rise in confidence: at the beginning of the programme only 15% of participants felt confident about starting secondary school. By the end, that had increased to 83%.
Next Steps also supports young people beyond the initial transition period through an alumni network, helping participants stay connected, continue building confidence and maintain a sense of belonging as they grow.
Young people themselves say the programme has made a lasting difference.
One participant said: “It has helped me be my real self because no one here will criticise who you are at Half Moon.”
Another reflected: “It has improved my people skills a lot and I have gained confidence.”
The programme goes beyond preparing young people for a single transition.
It helps them think critically, understand relationships, manage wellbeing and feel part of a community that supports them over several years.
As one school partner said: “We will always work with Half Moon. The level of care is second to none.”
This summer, Half Moon will once again run its Next Steps Summer School programme across three weeks in August, offering local young people a chance to build friendships and confidence before September arrives.
Families interested in finding out more can contact Half Moon and help their child take the next step with confidence.
Do you know someone in Year 6 who would benefit from Next Steps? Visit: halfmoon.org.uk/nextsteps or email: nextsteps@halfmoon.org.uk
- Stephen Beeny is Communications Manager at Half Moon (halfmoon.org.uk).
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