Abstract
This qualitative study explored the experience of rural students who had undergone transitions between schools to continue their studies in Years 11 and 12. A thematic content analysis identified two main themes: social relationships and school issues. Social relationships, concerned with peer interactions and student-teacher relationships, had long-term significance while school issues, particularly academia and school structure, were considered a short-term concern. The study recommends increased attention to the development of peer and teacher relationships, informing students of the academic focus of Years 11 and 12, and maintaining the schools' current pre-transition preparation that introduces the students to the new school environment.
