An exploration of young people's experience of transition into sixth form

Transitions such as the one between primary and secondary education are viewed as having a significant impact, socially, academically and psychologically, however, transition to further education at 16 is an under-researched domain. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of how young people experience their transition into a school-based sixth form as incomers. This was addressed through analysing semi-structured interviews using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and, via this process, super-ordinate and sub-ordinate themes were identified. Three emerging super-ordinate themes evolved from the analysis: the importance of social inclusion; intrapersonal factors; and academic demands relating to A Level study. The results from the study were found to be consistent with existing psychological theories and literature. This current study found that social connections were important, as well as the constructs of belonging and identity. It was also found, that in the sixth form, the academic workload and expectations imposed time constraints on extra- curricular activities and part time work, for the participants in the study. The findings of the current study suggest several implications for EP practice and for teachers at school- based sixth forms regarding supporting the transition for incomers, socially, psychologically and academically. Suggestions for further research are included.