The Benefits of Mixed-Year Classes
At Cadmore End, children learn in four mixed-year classes:
- Class 1: Nursery and Reception
- Class 2: Years 1 and 2
- Class 3: Years 3 and 4
- Class 4: Years 5 and 6
Mixed-year classes are an important part of what makes our small school so special. They create a caring, family-like environment in which children of different ages learn alongside one another, build strong friendships and develop confidence, independence and consideration for others.
Teaching is carefully planned so that every child follows the appropriate curriculum for their year group. Teachers have high expectations for all pupils and adapt learning to reflect each child’s starting point, needs and next steps. This ensures that children receive the right level of support and challenge.
Mixed-year classes do not mean that children are always taught together. Where it benefits pupils, teaching is organised into individual year groups. For example, mathematics and music are taught within year groups, enabling teachers to focus closely on the curriculum content, knowledge and skills appropriate to each age group.
At other times, children benefit from learning alongside older and younger classmates. Younger pupils gain positive role models, while older pupils develop maturity, responsibility and leadership skills. Children learn that everyone has different strengths and that progress is personal—not limited by the class they are in.
Our curriculum is carefully organised to ensure that pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively as they move through the school, without unnecessary repetition.
Please explore our curriculum pages to find out more about what children learn. You can also visit our Performance Measures page to see information about pupils’ academic outcomes.