Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
05 September, 2025

When School Doesn’t Feel Right: Helping Your Child Flourish at Prague British International School

PBIS_Prague_June 2024_138
The start of a school year is often filled with excitement. New friends. New routines. New opportunities. But for some children, those first weeks don’t feel like a fresh beginning at all. Instead, they feel anxious, unsettled, or even a little lost.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents notice early on that their child is unsettled, and they begin to wonder if a different environment might help. These worries are natural - every parent wants their child to feel happy, confident, and engaged at school.

At Prague British International School (PBIS), we’ve seen first-hand how the right environment can transform a child’s experience.

Signs Your Child May Not Be Settling

It’s normal for children to take time to adjust, but certain signs can tell you they may be struggling:

  • - Not wanting to go to school or complaining of frequent “tummy aches.”
  • - Quietness or withdrawal — becoming less talkative, less confident, or reluctant to try new things.
  • - Frustration with learning, especially homework battles or giving up quickly.
  • - Loss of enthusiasm — saying school is “boring” or showing little interest in subjects they used to enjoy.
  • - Friendship struggles — feeling isolated, left out, or saying they don’t have friends.

 
It’s difficult to watch your child go through this, but it doesn’t mean things can’t change.

  
How PBIS Supports Students
 
At PBIS, our priority is to make sure every child feels noticed, supported, and able to succeed in their own way. We know that confidence is the foundation of learning, so we put as much energy into wellbeing as we do into academics.
 
Personalised Attention: Our class sizes are smaller, which means teachers really get to know each child - their strengths, their challenges, and what motivates them. This allows us to adapt lessons, give extra support when it’s needed, and stretch students further when they’re ready for more.
 
Building Confidence: We celebrate progress as much as achievement. Whether it’s a student speaking up in class for the first time, or trying a new sport, those moments of courage matter. Bit by bit, children learn to believe in themselves - and that confidence carries over into everything they do.
 
Strong Wellbeing and Pastoral Care: We know that children only learn well when they feel safe and supported. That’s why pastoral care is woven into daily life at PBIS. Teachers, tutors, and our wellbeing team are always there to listen and guide, making sure no child feels overlooked or left behind.
 
Support with Language and Transitions: For many families, learning in English is new. We provide tailored language support so students can build confidence quickly without feeling pressured. We also take care to guide children gently through transitions — whether they’re joining mid-year, moving up a key stage, or adjusting to a new challenge.
 
Opportunities to Shine: Confidence doesn’t just come from the classroom. Through music, sport, drama, leadership roles, and community projects, children discover their talents and passions. These experiences help them grow as individuals, not just as students.
 
Making a Change
 
We understand that moving schools can feel daunting. Families often ask: “Will my child cope with the transition?” What we see, time and again, is that children adapt quickly when they join Prague British International School and find a place that suits them.
 
Out team make this transition as smooth as possible:
  • - We get to know your child before they arrive, so teachers can support them right away.
  • - We provide language support for children who need help with English.
  • - We check in regularly with families, so you feel part of the journey too.
 
Parents often tell us they’re amazed by the difference after just a few weeks. A child who once dreaded -school can be found smiling, making friends, and talking excitedly about their day.
 
Finding the Right Fit
 
If your child isn’t settling as you hoped this year, it may be time to consider a different approach.
 
At Prague British International School, we believe every child deserves to feel confident, curious, and inspired. Our role is to create the environment where that can happen.

If you’d like to talk about your child’s situation, we’d be glad to listen. You’re welcome to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and see for yourself what makes PBIS a place where children can flourish.

 
Because every child should feel happy at school.