Melissa Farnham: Transitions That Build Trust — Rethinking Year 6–7 Through Neuroscience, Relationships and Readiness
The transition from primary to secondary school is one of the most developmentally sensitive, and systemically overlooked, moments in a child’s education. While often reduced to logistical handovers and induction days, this period is shaped by profound shifts in neurodevelopment, emotional safety, and learner identity.
This session invites MAT leaders to explore the neuroscience of transition, particularly how the combination of SATs pressure, relational detachment over the summer, and neural pruning creates heightened vulnerability in Year 7. Drawing on emerging research, pupil voice, and real-world school practice, Melissa Farnham will guide participants through a reframing of transition strategy: from task-based to trust-based.
Leaders will reflect on the relational and cognitive readiness of their learners, examine existing assumptions and pinch-points, and begin prototyping a cross-phase transition model that centres trust, equity, and connection.
This is a space for ambitious, reflective leadership: reimagining what our youngest secondary learners need, and how we can serve them better—together.
Learning Objectives
• Understand the neurodevelopmental significance of the Year 6–7 transition
• Explore the impact of SATs stress and adult detachment on learning, regulation, and belonging
• Identify opportunities to build relational continuity across phases and settings
• Prototype a Trust-Wise Transition Framework for their MAT, informed by neuroscience and inclusion
About the speaker:
Melissa Farnham became CEO of ASDAN in June 2024, bringing broad experience as a teacher, headteacher, and education leader. She is passionate about using education to promote equality and social mobility. Melissa leads ASDAN’s new strategy to strengthen its programmes and expand its impact globally, ensuring learners with diverse needs are empowered to thrive. She also holds several advisory roles in education and is committed to innovation and inclusion in learning.
