Knightwood Primary School has been in a fortunate position to be able to offer places for 60 children in the local area for a while now despite being built as a one form entry school.
However, the numbers of families requiring school places in the local area has now decreased and will continue to do so. Therefore, for the school to continue to be in a financially stable position and for the staff to continue to offer the children the best education, the governors have agreed to reduce the Published Admission Number from 60 to 45 from 2025.
To understand what this means for your child, follow this link: Class structure
Our teachers are highly skilled professionals who are experienced in supporting children with a wide range of abilities, interests, and ages. One of our strengths is the relationships formed between staff and pupils; all our staff care and want the very best for each individual child. Through knowing each child well, teachers are able to identify areas to support and challenge.
In every class, there is already a natural mix of attainment levels — some children may be working beyond age expectations, while others are developing their confidence in certain areas. Mixed-age classes simply build on this natural diversity, allowing teachers to: plan engaging lessons that challenge and support every child.
- We use flexible grouping so pupils can work at their own level.
- Encourage collaboration and peer support across ages.
- Ensure each child makes progress, whatever their starting point.
With expert planning and thoughtful teaching, mixed-age classes will become a natural extension of how great teaching already happens every day in our school.
1. Children Learn from Each Other
Older students often help younger ones, which reinforces their own learning.
Younger children gain confidence by seeing older peers as role models.
2. Everyone Learns at Their Own Pace
Teachers can tailor activities to suit each child’s needs.
Children can progress without feeling rushed or held back.
3. Social Skills Flourish
Mixed-age classes give children the chance to make friends of all ages.
Sharing, collaboration, and teamwork are part of everyday learning.
4. Confidence and Independence Grow
Older children gain leadership skills.
Younger children feel supported while learning new skills.
How will teachers ensure that both year group curriculums are covered without overlapping content?
Curriculum planning in mixed-age classes is designed to create a seamless and cohesive educational experience. Beyond core subjects like Maths, English, and Science, the curriculum is framed around key stage expectations rather than rigid year group content. Our subject leaders have developed comprehensive skill progressions that span each year, enabling teachers to integrate learning objectives smoothly across age groups.
In subjects such as Maths and English, the curriculum is intentionally aligned, allowing older pupils to engage with more complex variations of the same foundational concepts. This approach not only facilitates comprehensive coverage of national curriculum objectives but also ensures that all pupils remain intellectually stimulated and actively engaged in their learning.
How will two year groups be taught together in a single classroom?
In a mixed-age classroom, children progress at their own unique rates, meaning that age does not dictate academic success. Teaching is carefully tailored to meet each child’s individual needs rather than adhering strictly to age related expectations. Our teachers utilise a method known as “flexible grouping,” where they design activities and pose questions that cater to the varied abilities present in the classroom. Each lesson typically begins with a stimulating whole-group discussion that introduces key concepts. Following this, children engage in individualised tasks that reinforce their learning, allowing them to consolidate their understanding at their own pace.
As is the case now, task design for each subject is carefully planned by teachers to ensure that pupils practise the appropriate skills that they need to make progress from their own starting points; this ensures there is sufficient support and/or challenge for each pupil.
For pupils who need additional support or those seeking greater challenges, our dedicated teachers and teaching assistants are available to provide targeted assistance. This personalised approach ensures that each child receives focused attention, fostering an environment where they feel valued and supported in their learning journey.
As the National Curriculum is organised in phases (i.e. Key Stage 1), we are able to ensure that all areas of the National Curriculum are taught fully within, and by the end of, the correct phase. Where the National Curriculum gives single year group objectives, these will be covered by the correct year group.
Extensive research suggests that mixed age classes do not hinder academic achievement; in fact, they often lead to improved performance. In these dynamic settings, children benefit from the opportunity to learn alongside peers of similar abilities rather than being confined to age-based groupings. Pupils who encounter challenges receive tailored support similar to that provided in single year grouped classes, while those performing above this level are encouraged and challenged further to delve deeper into subjects and explore new ideas.
A study by Simon Veenman titled ‘Cognitive and Non-cognitive Effects of Multigrade and Multi-Age Classes: A Best-Evidence Synthesis’ found that there is no empirical evidence that student learning suffered in any way in multi-age (mixed age) classrooms. Children in such classrooms did not learn more or less than students in single-age classes. In fact, students in multi-age classes scored higher on attitudes towards school, personal adjustment and self-concept than students in single age classes.
Mrs Clark, our headteacher, has had extensive experience of successfully leading schools with mixed-age classes. Mr Rose, our EYFS and Year 1 leader, also has experience of teaching and leading in settings with mixed-age classes. There are many examples of strong practice in mixed year group teaching in schools across Hampshire and indeed the country. We are committed to continuing to be outward-focussed and learn from current good practice in these settings.