Information about Mixed-Age Classes

What is a mixed-age class?

A mixed-age class is one in which pupils from more than one year group are taught together.

At St Michael with St John Church of England Primary School, we have two mixed-age classes:

• Year 3/4 Falcons
• Year 5/6 Leopards

Why are classes mixed?

Mixed-age classes are necessary because of the number of pupils in each year group and the funding available to the school.

From September 2026, we will have 30 pupils in each year group from Reception to Year 2 and 45 pupils in each year group from Year 3 to Year 6. Although Key Stage 2 classes can legally be larger than 30 pupils, we aim to keep class sizes at around 30 wherever possible to provide the best learning environment for our children and to make effective use of our classroom spaces.

As a result, we have two mixed-age classes within Key Stage 2. This is the most effective and financially sustainable way to organise our classes while ensuring pupils receive a high-quality education.

Within our mixed-age classes, teaching is carefully planned to meet the needs of each year group. Lessons are organised to ensure pupils receive learning that is appropriate for their age, stage of development and the curriculum they are following. Teachers use a range of approaches, including whole-class teaching, year-group teaching and targeted group work, to ensure all pupils make good progress.

How will we decide which pupils are placed in new classes?

When creating classes each year, we carefully consider a range of factors. Decisions are made in close consultation with senior leaders and class teachers, who have a thorough understanding of each child's academic, social and emotional needs, as well as how different groups of children learn and work together.

Factors considered include:

• age and gender, to achieve a balanced class profile;
• stage of learning and academic needs;
• special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and other additional needs;
• social and emotional development;
• friendship groups and positive working relationships, where appropriate; and
• any other relevant information that will support the child's wellbeing and progress.

The final decision on class organisation rests with the Headteacher and is based on professional judgement about where each child is most likely to flourish academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and personally.

Will my child be held back if they are placed in a mixed-age class?

No. Children in mixed-age classes are taught according to their individual learning needs and the expectations for their year group. Teaching is carefully planned and adapted to ensure that every child is appropriately challenged and supported to make good progress.

Our experienced teachers are skilled at planning and delivering learning for pupils with a wide range of abilities and needs. In addition, our carefully planned two-year rolling curriculum ensures that pupils do not repeat topics as they move through a mixed-age class.

I am concerned that my child's friendship group may change.

We understand that parents may be concerned about changes to friendship groups. When organising classes, we carefully consider children's social and emotional needs alongside a range of other factors.

Children may continue to have many opportunities to spend time with friends from across their year group during playtimes, lunchtimes, Collective Worship, school events, educational visits and other activities. As classes are reviewed each year, children also have the opportunity to build new friendships, develop confidence and strengthen their social skills by working with a wider range of peers.

This helps to prepare children for future transitions, including secondary school, where they will regularly work and learn alongside different groups of pupils.

What are the benefits of learning in a mixed-age class?

Mixed-age classes provide children with opportunities to work and learn alongside a wider range of peers. They encourage children to develop new friendships, build confidence and strengthen their communication and social skills.

Children have opportunities to support and learn from one another, work collaboratively in different teams and develop independence, resilience and problem-solving skills. Mixed-age classes can also promote rich discussion, extend vocabulary and encourage pupils to learn from different perspectives.

These experiences help children develop the personal and social skills that will support them throughout their education and beyond.