Friends forever?

Moving to a new school is scary enough without having to worry whether or not you'll make friends. Here are some simple tips on how to make the whole friend-making process a lot easier.

• Try speaking to the people you're sitting next to in class. As they're close by it makes sense to chat to them first.
• Pluck up the courage to speak to everyone in your form class. You tend to stay with that class through your five years at secondary school so it helps if you get on with them.
• If you don't have many friends in your form class, try and make new friends in your subject lessons. You can also chat to them at lunchtimes and after school.
• Join a lunchtime or after school club. You'll get to meet kids of all years that way.

Use your celebrity status!

If you're worried because you're going to a different school and you'll be the new person, you can always ask your form tutor to pair you with another pupil. Lots of schools run buddying systems. Don't put yourself under too much pressure; it can be hard to introduce yourself to people especially if they've already got their own friends.

However, since you are the new person, you will have acquired celebrity status, which you can use for a couple of weeks. Talk to people, remember to smile, be open and friendly, listen to what others have to say and make them feel important.

Growing apart

Do you feel like you're growing apart from some of your closest friends? As you grow older it's natural to make new friends and sometimes that means you grow apart from your old friends. Try and make time for all your friends - why not introduce your different sets of friends so you can all go to the cinema or bowling together.

But what if you're being the one pushed out of a friendship group? If this is happening to you then try and ask someone you are friendly with what is happening. If the whole group is leaving you out then try and find new people to hang around with at lunchtimes. Joining a lunchtime or after school club is a good way to make new friends.

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