Yes. Secondary 1 can feel suddenly difficult because several demands rise at the same time. Students face more subjects, faster pacing, greater independence, heavier reading, more abstract ideas, new teachers, new routines, and less tolerance for weak foundations that may have been manageable in Primary school.
The key is to distinguish normal transition strain from a structural gap. A student who is adapting should become more stable as routines settle and expectations become familiar. A student whose earlier foundations are insufficient will continue to struggle in the same underlying areas even after the transition period passes.
Use the Parents & Pathways Hub for Secondary transition and the Diagnostics & Recovery Hub if the difficulty is persisting beyond ordinary adjustment.