Starting at a New School? 5 Things to Focus on in Your First Few Days
Starting at a new school can be exciting, but it is also completely normal to feel nervous.
Whether you are starting as a teacher, joining a school in a support role or taking the next step in your education career, those first few days can feel like a lot to take in.
From learning names and finding your way around to understanding new routines and expectations, there is a lot happening at once.
From our experience speaking to education professionals every day, we know that many people feel the same way when they start somewhere new. You are not the only person trying to remember where everything is, understand how things work or find your place within a new team.
There may be other people joining the school for the first time, pupils getting used to new routines and colleagues who remember exactly what it felt like to be starting somewhere different.
Remember that no one expects you to know everything straight away. Settling into a new school takes time, and those first few days are about listening, learning and building confidence.
1. Take time to understand how the school works
Every school has its own routines, expectations and ways of doing things. Even if you have years of experience in education, moving to a new school means learning a new environment.
Taking time to understand how the school works will help you feel more confident and know what is expected.
This might include:
- Reading the school’s behaviour policy and understanding the approach to managing behaviour
- Familiarising yourself with safeguarding procedures and knowing who the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is
- Reading the school’s policies and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and understanding how these apply in your role
- Learning how communication works across the school
- Finding out where to access important information and resources
- Understanding who to go to if you need support
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking for guidance is a normal part of starting somewhere new and helps you understand how you can best support pupils and colleagues.
If you would like to refresh your knowledge or find resources to support you in your new role, our eLearning Zone includes free training and education resources. These include safeguarding, GDPR and cyber security training, as well as classroom resources such as starter activities to help you feel prepared for the start of a lesson.
2. Give yourself time to find your feet
When you start somewhere new, even simple things can take time to learn.
Finding classrooms, understanding where resources are kept, remembering routines and getting familiar with the school environment can feel overwhelming at first. These small details will become much easier with time.
Remember that you are not the only person finding their way. At the start of a new school year, many pupils will also be learning new routines, finding classrooms, getting to know new teachers and settling into an unfamiliar environment.
There may also be other members of staff who are new to the school. Taking the time to introduce yourself, chat with colleagues in the staff room and share experiences can be a great way to feel more comfortable and become part of the school community.
You might find that other new starters are having the same thoughts, asking the same questions or adjusting to similar changes. Sometimes knowing you are not the only person learning how things work can make those first few days feel much easier.
Try not to put pressure on yourself to know everything immediately. The first few days are about getting familiar with your surroundings, building relationships and gradually feeling more confident.
3. Build relationships with pupils and colleagues
Building relationships with pupils and colleagues will help you feel more comfortable in your role and become part of the school community.
For pupils, having a new teacher or member of support staff can also be a big change. Taking the time to listen, understand their personalities and learn what helps them feel comfortable can help build positive relationships from the beginning.
Remember that relationships take time. You do not need to feel completely settled straight away. Small conversations and everyday interactions all help you find your place within the team.
4. Remember why you were chosen
Starting somewhere new can sometimes make you feel like you need to prove yourself straight away, but remember that you have been chosen for a reason.
You bring your own skills, experience and personality to the role. Whether you are an experienced teacher, starting your first education role or joining a school in a support position, the qualities you bring can make a real difference.
It is natural to spend the first few days learning how things work, but do not forget to recognise what you already know. Your experience, ideas and approach are valuable, and over time you will find your place within the school.
5. Be kind to yourself
Starting at a new school takes time. You are learning new routines, meeting new people and adjusting to a different environment, so it is important to give yourself time to settle in.
It can be easy to compare yourself with colleagues who have worked at the school for years and feel like you should know more than you do. Remember that everyone was new once, and it takes time to feel completely comfortable in a new setting.
Celebrate the small wins, whether that is remembering names, feeling more confident with routines or having a positive conversation with a pupil or colleague.
You do not need to have everything figured out straight away. Confidence grows through experience, and each day will help you feel more settled in your new role.
Looking after your own wellbeing is an important part of building a successful career in education. You can also read our previous blog on Supporting Wellbeing for further advice.
Starting somewhere new is a big step, and finding the right school environment can make a real difference to your experience.
At Athona Education, we work with teachers and support staff across Essex, East London and Suffolk, helping education professionals find roles where their skills and experience are valued.
Whether you are exploring your next opportunity, considering a move or looking for a role that better suits your experience, our team can help you find opportunities with schools that are right for you.
Explore some of our latest opportunities:
Secondary Teacher Jobs East London
SEND Teaching Assistant Jobs Suffolk
Register your CV and we’ll help you find the right role for your skills and experience.
FAQs
What should I know before starting at a new school? Before starting at a new school, it can help to understand key policies, learn routines, ask questions and take time to build relationships with pupils and colleagues.
How can I settle into a new school quickly? Taking time to understand school routines, build relationships with colleagues and ask questions can help you feel more confident when starting a new role.
What should I do in my first few days at a new school? Focus on learning how the school works, getting to know pupils and colleagues and understanding the expectations of your role.
Is it normal to feel nervous starting at a new school? Yes. Starting somewhere new can feel overwhelming, even for experienced education professionals. Give yourself time to adjust, ask questions and remember that confidence grows with experience.
