Moving into Year 10 is an important milestone for students, bringing greater independence, increased academic expectations and the start of the GCSE journey. In a recent Eye on Education episode on Dubai Eye 103.8, host Helen Farmer welcomed Aoife McHugh, Assistant Head Teacher for Senior Pastoral at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, to discuss how students and families can navigate this significant transition.

Aoife spoke about the growing responsibility students take on in Year 10, from managing their studies and workload to making GCSE subject choices. She highlighted the importance of choosing subjects based on three key questions: what students enjoy, what they are good at and what they may want to explore in the future. She also reassured families that GCSE choices do not determine a student’s entire future, with different educational pathways and guidance available as their interests and ambitions develop.

The conversation also explored the social and emotional changes students can experience at this age, including friendship challenges, academic pressure and a growing need for independence. Aoife encouraged parents to look out for small changes in behaviour, listen carefully and create space for open conversations rather than focusing every discussion on homework and exams. She suggested that, as children grow older, parents can gradually move from managing everything for them to taking on more of a coaching role, offering guidance while allowing teenagers to take greater responsibility.

For families supporting a child through Year 10, Aoife shared practical advice including establishing routines early, preparing for school the night before, breaking study into manageable chunks and maintaining a healthy balance between schoolwork, family time, friendships, exercise and sleep. Her key message was that success during these years is not simply about achieving the highest grades, but about helping students enjoy their school experience, develop independence and feel supported as they navigate this important stage of their education.

Watch the full interview below.