How to Help Your Child With Year 7 English
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 11
In September 2025, my eldest child started secondary school. Even though I'd spent over a decade teaching English in secondary classrooms, I felt that same quiet swirl of nerves most parents experience. Would she cope with the routines? The homework?
As an English teacher, I secretly hoped she’d love the subject as much as I do. I wanted her to feel confident when analysing a poem or enjoy writing stories without worrying about every full stop.
But I knew it wouldn’t all happen overnight.
The truth is, even when you know the curriculum inside out, watching your own child navigate that shift into secondary school is a different experience. It's less about whether they’re academically "ready" and more about helping them adapt, bit by bit.
The Transition to Secondary School
It’s a big change, after all. Moving from being the oldest at primary to the youngest in a new environment is daunting. There'll be new teachers, unfamiliar faces, different teaching methods and a whole host of new challenges.
With these shifts, it's understandable to pause and think, "Is my child ready?"
First off, don't worry. Year 7 is specifically designed as a transitional year. It isn't about your child getting everything perfect from the start; it’s about helping them adjust comfortably to secondary school life.
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Packed with practical tips to help your child build confidence and prepare for KS3 success.
What Does Year 7 English Involve?
In most schools, Year 7 students are introduced to a range of texts. This includes modern novels, poetry and even a bit of Shakespeare. They’ll explore character, plot and themes while learning to analyse texts more deeply.
On the writing side, they need to produce both creative and non-fiction pieces. Students focus on structure, vocabulary, and clarity during writing exercises. Moreover, grammar and punctuation are revisited and built upon. There is a growing emphasis on developing opinions and being able to explain them clearly, whether through writing or class discussions.
While this can sound overwhelming, it’s all taught with an understanding that students are still settling in. The aim isn’t to overwhelm them; it’s to stretch their skills gradually and build confidence along the way.
How Can You Help Your Child With Year 7 English?
Reading
Reading is crucial for success, not just in English but in all subjects. Your child doesn't need to have read all of Shakespeare’s plays. However, being comfortable with longer texts, such as novels, short stories and even newspaper articles, really helps.
Encourage your child to read daily while keeping it enjoyable. A variety of genres works well, and it's perfectly fine (even encouraged) for them to reread their favourite books.
Familiarity builds confidence.
Some children find reading a full novel tricky at first, especially when vocabulary or sentence structure feels unfamiliar. A simple way to help? Try audiobooks. Listening to a story while following along in the book can boost understanding and keep them engaged.
Local libraries often offer free audiobook downloads through apps like Libby or BorrowBox. Services like Audible sometimes have free trials or special offers.
If they’re studying a particular book or play at school, consider watching a film or TV version together. It’s not cheating; it’s another way to bring the story to life and help it stick.
Writing
By Year 7, pupils should write clearly and coherently. But perfection isn't necessary!
It's much more important that they can write a well-structured paragraph, with a clear beginning, middle and end.
While spelling and punctuation matter, what’s important is the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Writing a diary, blog or an opening to a story can be useful practice.
Speaking and Listening
Listening and speaking skills are equally important. In secondary school, discussions, debates and expressing ideas aloud become more common.
Encourage your child to express their opinions at home or discuss family topics over dinner. Casual debates or simple explanations of their day can build confidence and fluency.
A strong vocabulary doesn't involve memorizing a dictionary. Instead, it develops naturally through regular reading and conversation.
Encourage curiosity about new words by discussing their meanings or usage. Understanding basic punctuation, like commas, full stops, and question marks, will also help significantly.
Independent Learning
Year 7 nudges your child toward more independent learning. Simple tasks like organising their school bag, completing homework without constant reminders or choosing their own reading material will foster helpful habits for secondary school life.
Remember...
Every child adjusts differently to secondary school and that’s completely normal. There will be moments of doubt, of course... but also plenty of small wins.
If you’re ever worried, reach out to their school. Teachers are accustomed to spotting early struggles and can offer reassurance to help support your child with Year 7 English (or anything else). Additionally, there is a wide variety of free and affordable online resources that may help.
The most powerful thing you can give your child is encouragement. Show interest in what they’re doing (even if you don’t always understand the homework) and praise the effort more than the outcome.
With your support and a little patience, they’ll find their feet...and maybe even grow to love English!
Good luck!
About the Author
I’m a private tutor, a former secondary school English teacher and the founder of English Home Studies. I offer 1:1 tuition sessions for students from 9 to 16 years old (Year 5 to Year 11). I also create digital and printable revision guides and activity packs.
I often post advice and links to free and affordable English resources on the *English Home Studies Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have a child in KS3 or KS4, you might like to join one of my Facebook groups:
To find out more about my qualifications and experience or to read some of the lovely reviews I've received from previous clients, please explore my website. If you have any questions, please send me a message. Thank you
