Bridging the Year 7 Engagement Gap: A Call to Action from Pupil Pathways

A recent study published by Schools Week, based on findings from the Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators, reveals a troubling pattern as pupil engagement drops significantly during the move from Year 6 to Year 7. With enjoyment scores falling from 6.0 to 3.8 and even further into Year 8, the so-called “Year 7 dip” is more than a statistical anomaly, it is a signal that something fundamental is missing in the transition between key stages of education. 

This drop in engagement is felt most sharply by girls and disadvantaged pupils, who also report lower levels of trust, confidence, and safety. These findings reflect the lived experiences we hear regularly across the schools and post-16 providers we work with. 

Where Pupil Pathways Fits In 

At Pupil Pathways, we believe the journey from primary to secondary and onwards to post-16 destinations must be better connected, more transparent, and rooted in real insight about the learner. The current model too often leaves a void where continuity should be, and the consequences are most evident during those early months of Year 7. 

Through our SixIntoSeven solution, we aim to support smoother transitions by enabling secure, standardised sharing of key pupil information including pastoral needs, safeguarding concerns, and learner profiles ahead of the September start. This early visibility empowers secondary schools to plan more effectively and tailor support before problems take root. 

A Call for Joined-Up Thinking 

The “Year 7 dip” points to a wider challenge, the fragmentation of our education system during key handover points. When learners change settings, they should not have to start from scratch. We must ensure that receiving schools and providers are equipped with meaningful information not just academic data, but a rounded view of the whole child. 

Pupil Pathways exists to make this possible. The insights in this latest report only reinforce the need for earlier, smarter, and more human-centred transitions. 

If we want to tackle disengagement, particularly among our most vulnerable learners, we need to get transition right not just structurally, but emotionally and relationally too. 

Let us build bridges and avoid gaps to make sure no learner is left behind! 

For more insights visit us at Pupil Pathways.