What is the Year 7 dip?

The Year 7 dip is a well-documented drop in attainment and confidence that affects roughly one in three UK children in their first term of secondary school. It is usually temporary but can become entrenched without support.

Is this quiz a real diagnostic?

It is a parent-facing heuristic based on the habits and skills that Year 7 success most often depends on — reading stamina, organisation, social confidence, and core maths/English foundations. It is not a replacement for a proper diagnostic lesson with a tutor.

What should I do with a low score?

Low scores usually indicate specific gaps (most commonly: weak reading habit, poor organisation, anxiety about asking for help). Each gap is addressable with short focused support over the spring and summer of Year 6.

Free parent tool

Year 6 → Year 7 Transition Readiness Score

Answer 8 quick questions to see how ready your child is for the jump to secondary school. Takes 2 minutes.

Question 1 of 8 · Reading

How often does your child read independently for pleasure?

Question 2 of 8 · Reading

What is your child's reading level compared to Year 6 expectations?

Question 3 of 8 · Maths

How confident is your child with fractions (adding, subtracting, multiplying)?

Question 4 of 8 · Organisation

How well does your child manage their own belongings and homework?

Question 5 of 8 · Organisation

Can your child plan a short piece of work or a homework task?

Question 6 of 8 · Social

How comfortable is your child asking a teacher for help?

Question 7 of 8 · Social

How does your child respond to meeting new children?

Question 8 of 8 · Sleep

Does your child have a consistent bedtime routine with no phone in the bedroom?