What is Be Brave Be Bold?
Starting secondary school is a big milestone in a young person’s life. For many, the transition from primary to secondary school can feel overwhelming, filled with worries about making new friends, handling more responsibility, and adjusting to a new environment. At Young People Thrive, we believe that every child deserves the tools and confidence to embrace this change with resilience and excitement. That’s why we created the Be Brave Be Bold (B4) programme—a peer-led initiative designed to support Year 5/6 pupils in preparing for secondary school.

Why This Programme Matters
Transitioning to secondary school brings both excitement and uncertainty. Many young people worry about making friends, handling academic challenges, and adapting to a new environment. Without the right support, these concerns can affect their confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Through interactive sessions and peer mentoring, Be Brave Be Bold gives students a safe space to express their concerns, ask questions, and develop essential coping skills. By learning from peers who have recently made the transition, they gain practical insights and reassurance. This support helps them feel more prepared, resilient, and ready to embrace the next stage of their education.
A School’s Perspective: Real Impact in Action
The Be Brave Be Bold programme has already made a difference in schools across Barnet and Enfield. Here’s what Matthew Gibson, Senior Mental Health Lead at St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, had to say about the impact on his students:
“The Be Brave Be Bold programme is a great opportunity for children transitioning between Year Six and Year Seven to understand the lived experience of their peers, share common worries, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of their next step in education. Our children went away from sessions feeling more confident and resilient, more able to embrace their transition. Our children loved the experience, and we would recommend it to everyone.”
— Matthew Gibson, Senior Mental Health Lead, St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School
This testimonial highlights the importance of early intervention and peer-led support in helping young people navigate school transitions successfully.

How to Get Involved
If you’re a teacher, school leader, or parent, you can help young people benefit from Be Brave Be Bold. Schools can volunteer to participate, and parents can encourage their child’s school to join.
To find out more, contact us at ypt@cbplus.org.uk or download our information flyer.
By working together, we can support young people through this important transition and help them build a positive future.
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