We ask five leading headteachers their advice on how pupils can make friends and fit in at a new senior school next term

Jane Gandee

Jane Gandee,

St Swithun’s School, Winchester
When moving to a new school, children are often both worried and excited at the thought of making new friends. I asked my Year Seven pupils for their tips as to how to make friends and include their thoughts as well as some of my own below:
Smile. I know that starting a new school can be nerve-wracking, but relaxing your face and smiling will attract people to you.
Never, never judge people on their appearances. Once someone has been attracted to you by your smile, engage them in conversation.
Be a good conversationalist. This does not mean talking for a long time about all the marvellous things that have happened to you, but rather, make sure you ask questions and actually listen to the answer. An ideal friend-making conversation would probably involve the other person speaking more than you. However, do make sure you ask questions in a friendly way ? you are aiming for a chat not an interrogation. Be brave and ask other pupils if you can sit with them / go to lunch with them or wait for someone who is still looking for their books. And if you are already with someone and see a pupil on their own, be sure to invite them to join you.
Try to make lots of friends rather than one special friend. Many children, girls particularly, will want one specia...