At British International College, some classes may include pupils from two year groups. This approach allows us to maintain high-quality teaching, strong pastoral care and appropriate curriculum planning while ensuring children learn in a positive and supportive environment.

Where mixed-age classes are used, we carefully consider the structure of the National Curriculum and aim to avoid combining classes across major curriculum stages where possible.

Our priority is to ensure that every child makes strong academic progress, feels safe and enjoys a positive educational experience.

There is no evidence to suggest that mixed-age classes negatively affect children’s education. In many cases, mixed-age learning provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, confidence-building and peer support.

Our teachers carefully plan lessons to meet the needs of different year groups and abilities within the class. Teaching is adapted so that all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported. Mixed-age classes also allow teachers to revisit key concepts where needed and extend learning for more able pupils.

Children benefit from:

• differentiated teaching and learning activities;
• high expectations for all learners;
• opportunities to learn collaboratively;
• personalised support and intervention where required;
• a strong focus on progress, confidence and independence.

We maintain high standards through regular assessment, monitoring and support.

This includes:

• ongoing day-to-day teacher assessment;
• formal assessments and progress tracking;
• intervention and support programmes where needed;
• regular moderation of pupils’ work to ensure consistency and quality;
• lesson observations and book monitoring by the Leadership Team;
• pupil progress meetings to review attainment and progress;
• staff appraisal systems linked to pupil outcomes and school improvement priorities.

Through careful curriculum planning, skilled teaching and rigorous monitoring, we ensure that all pupils continue to make strong progress and receive a high-quality educational experience.