For many children, the transition to secondary school is marked by both anxiety and excitement, particularly in relation to friendship. This article draws upon the concept of social capital--the resources individuals and collectives derive from their social networks--in order to understand the significance of change and continuity in children's friendships during a challenging period in their lives. Children's social networks often provide important, but under-researched resources which aid their progress through the transition. This article presents findings from a three-year ESRC study exploring children's and parents' use of social capital during their secondary school transfer.