From September 2026, we will be adopting a change in structure and organisation of our classes. This will help us to ensure that class sizes across the school will remain consistent and that teachers and teaching support staff can be deployed most effectively to support your child's learning. 

From September 2026 our Class Structure will be as follows:

 Our class names reflect Appleby river and the local tributaries which feed into it, reflecting how our pupils grow and work their way towards the top end of the school. 

Mixed Age Classes

Mixed age classes offer a unique and enriching educational experience that can greatly benefit your child’s development. A wealth of research reflects the many advantages of mixed age classes. Here are some of the key advantages within our school:

Cognition and Learning

Stronger Communication Skills

With opportunities to engage with peers who may be older or younger, children develop robust communication skills. They learn to express their thoughts and ideas using a richer vocabulary and more complex sentence structures, often stretching beyond what is typical for their age group.

Individualised Learning

Children are not strictly limited by arbitrary "age-level" ability caps. This enables teachers to deliver a highly personalised curriculum that focuses on a child’s exact strengths and needs. Students are not bound by rigid age expectations. They can advance quickly in subjects where they excel while taking extra time on concepts they find challenging. Teachers know pupils well, and as children spend longer with the same teacher, this continuity supports teachers to a gain a deeper understanding of each child's individual needs and strengths, fostering a more tailored learning experience. 

Reduced Academic Pressure 

Removing same-age comparisons lowers anxiety, helping learners focus on their own unique progress and strengths. This also supports older pupils to cement their understanding as key concepts are revisited, acting as role models rather than comparing themselves negatively to more confident peers. 

Enhanced Peer Learning & Mentorship

Older children solidify their own understanding by explaining concepts and acting as mentors, while younger students are exposed to more advanced vocabulary and ideas and are inspired and learn by observing older role models.

Boosted Confidence & Self-Esteem

Students frequently score higher on personal adjustment and attitudes toward school, as they operate in a cooperative, family-like environment rather than a highly competitive one.

Social and Emotional

Enhanced Social Skills

In mixed age environments, children have the chance to build relationships with a diverse group of peers. This interaction fosters collaboration and helps children learn to communicate effectively with others, bridging age gaps and nurturing friendships that extend beyond their immediate age group.

Improved Self-Concept

Children in mixed age classes often demonstrate a stronger self-concept. They tend to have more positive attitudes towards school and display better personal adjustment. This inclusive setting encourages self-confidence, as children see themselves as valuable contributors to a community where everyone has unique strengths.

Broader Peer Interactions

Children benefit from a wider circle of peers in mixed age settings, which promotes a sense of community and belonging. They learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and cooperation as they engage with classmates of varying ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed-Age Classes

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.

Where a year group is split across two classes, children in the same year group will learn the same curriculum objectives at the same level- such as learning about chronology in history. However, the delivery of this learning is planned individually by teachers to meet the needs of all learners in their class. In a nutshell, whilst there will be a continuity in the topics taught in each subject in Eamont and Eden Classes, the lessons will be prepared and delivered to support the best progress of children in each class. 

How will multiple 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.

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 further ensures that each child receives focused attention, fostering an environment where they feel valued and supported in their learning journey.

How Will We Ensure and maintain High Academic Expectations for All Children?

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.

The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, ensuring that all children remain engaged and intellectually challenged. Our selection of rich and diverse texts are carefully selected to provide both accessible material and opportunities for more able learners to stretch their understanding and skills.

How Will We Support Children Socially and Emotionally Through Changes in Class Structure?

Extensive research in mixed age teaching reveals that children truly thrive in these inclusive environments. In mixed age classrooms, pupils develop broader friendships and learn to navigate diverse social dynamics, enhancing their interpersonal skills. This setting fosters a classroom culture where children are encouraged to support one another, building a strong sense of community.

As they work together, pupils develop greater independence and collaboration skills, learning to rely less on adult intervention and more on their peers. Overall, mixed age classes create a nurturing atmosphere that promotes social and emotional well-being, helping children adapt smoothly to changes in their learning environment while enhancing their overall development.