Primary to secondary school transitions and emotional wellbeing: a comprehensive literature review of pastoral strategies and CBT-informed practices

Transitions from primary to secondary school can heighten anxiety, unsettle relationships, and challenge pupils’ sense of belonging. Schools increasingly deploy pastoral systems and universal wellbeing programmes, yet implementation varies and practice often lacks a clearly articulated evidence base. This literature review synthesises qualitative and mixed methods studies (2017–2025) and examines how education staff can support pupils’ emotional wellbeing during primary to secondary transitions, with a focus on strategies informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Using a PICo framework, searches of ERIC, Education Source, CINAHL, and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences were conducted, applying inclusion criteria relevant to school contexts and transition stages. Studies were appraised with CASP tools.

Findings cluster around three interrelated themes: (1) the centrality of relationships (teacher empathy and consistency; peer support; family partnership); (2) school belonging and connectedness (inclusive climate, pupil voice, and relational safety); and (3) emotional skills and resilience (structured psychoeducation, low intensity CBT techniques, and peer led emotion work). Methodological limitations across the literature include over reliance on self report, limited longitudinal designs, and conceptual ambiguity between belonging, connectedness, climate, and culture. The review proposes a practical pastoral framework that integrates CBT informed strategies within universal and targeted supports and highlights priorities for professional development, co production, and evaluation. Implications for pastoral care emphasise relationally attuned practice, actionable classroom tools, and multi agency collaboration to scaffold emotionally safe, equitable transitions. Implications for pastoral care include embedding CBT-informed strategies within universal and targeted supports, prioritising relational safety, and fostering inclusive school climates to ensure emotionally secure.