The study followed students in their 10th year of schooling that entered a new secondary education school in order to examine their perceptions of their previous schools' work and of its relationship with the difficulties they experience when in the transition. The analysis of 155 completed questionnaires of previous students of nine basic education schools verified that students generally appreciated their former schools' work in facilitating their transition experience, particularly in academic and procedural aspects. They also recognised the importance of their own skills, attitudes and previous experiences in their transition phase to the new secondary school. Nevertheless, results indicate that for quality improvement purposes, basic education schools should develop projects aimed at fostering their students' study/work methods in order for them to be able to face increased volume and rigour in their future performances.