It is a recurring debate many people have probably been engaged in: why do pupils appear to under-perform in the lower years of secondary school? In the latest in their "Perspectives on education" series, "Primary-secondary transfer in science" (Wellcome Trust, 2009), the Wellcome Trust addresses this problematic area with respect to UK science education. The publication features articles by three authors exploring current issues surrounding school transfer arrangements, curriculum continuity and primary-secondary pedagogy. In this article, the author summarises the findings of the recent Wellcome Trust report and responds from the perspective of an adviser.