Are You Worried About the 2026 Academic Year?
The 2026 school year is already underway, and for many parents, the start of the year brings a mix of hope and concern. While new routines are settling in, some children are already showing signs of academic, emotional, or social difficulty… especially if they did not perform according to their true intellectual potential in the previous year.
It is natural to hope that children will adjust on their own. However, early in the academic year is the most important time to provide learners with the emotional, academic, and psychological support they may need to succeed.
Children are still developing and cannot be expected to manage increasing academic demands independently. Timely support helps learners approach the school year with confidence rather than anxiety and frustration.
Is Your Child Performing According to Their Intellectual Ability?
Every child is unique, and learning does not look the same for all learners. Some children adapt quickly to academic demands, while others experience underlying barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Parents may notice:
- Ongoing academic struggle despite effort
- Emotional or behavioural changes related to school
- Reduced confidence, motivation, or avoidance of schoolwork
These signs often indicate the presence of learning, emotional, or developmental barriers that require further investigation.
Common Barriers Affecting Learning in 2026
1. Adjusting to New Learning Environments
Each new academic year brings increased expectations, new teachers, different teaching styles, and a heavier workload. For many learners, these transitions can be challenging. Moving to a new grade (and particularly the transition from primary school to high school) requires significant adjustment. Learners are expected to become more independent, process information more quickly, and manage their time more effectively. When these skills are still developing, children may begin to struggle early in the year and fall behind academically.
2. Emotional and Mental Health Challenges
A learner’s emotional well-being is closely linked to academic performance. Increased academic pressure, fear of failure, and social expectations can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety. Some learners may also experience symptoms of depression, which often present as low energy, withdrawal, irritability, reduced motivation, or declining academic results. When emotional challenges are not identified and addressed, learners may struggle to engage in learning and reach their full potential.
3. Social Pressure and Friendship Difficulties
Social skills do not always develop naturally and often need to be taught and supported. Many learners experience difficulties making and maintaining friendships, which can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and fear of rejection. Social stress can significantly affect concentration, classroom participation, and overall academic confidence, particularly during times of transition.
The Role of Educational Assessment
An educational assessment conducted early in the school year provides valuable insight into how a child learns, processes information, and copes with academic demands. Rather than reacting to difficulties later in the year, assessment allows for proactive planning and support.
Educational assessments can assist in:
- Identifying cognitive strengths and learning difficulties
- Understanding learning and communication styles
- Detecting barriers that impact academic performance
- Guiding individualised academic support strategies
- Supporting emotional and academic confidence
Concessions and Accommodations
When learning barriers are identified, an educational assessment may indicate the need for academic concessions or accommodations. Applications to the Department of Education or Private School Examination Boards must be submitted early in the year.
Completing an assessment at the start of the year allows sufficient time to compile documentation, submit applications within required timeframes, and ensure that learners receive appropriate support throughout the academic year.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Providing early support at the beginning of the school year reduces stress, builds confidence, and creates a solid foundation for learning. Early intervention prevents difficulties from escalating and supports learners in achieving their full academic and emotional potential.
Professional Support for the 2026 School Year
I offer comprehensive educational assessments and professional support tailored to each learner’s unique needs. Early identification and intervention remain key factors in academic success.
In a forthcoming blog post, I will share further information on concession applications and the assessment process.
Early support makes a meaningful difference.
Dr Leonora de Villiers