Mixed-age curriculum case studies

These case studies offer insight into two commonly-used approaches to mixed-age teaching: mixed-age split-class teaching and mixed-age whole-class teaching.

Each case study shares the rationale behind the chosen approach, how it’s been implemented, and the impact on teaching and learning.

Case Study: Richard Taylor CE Primary School (PAN: 39)

split R/Y1/Y2 class

READ Emma Crisell, headteacher and maths lead, shares how her school has successfully embedded a teaching for mastery approach across Reception and Key Stage 1 using a split-class model with a whole-class approach in Year 2.

Case Study: Kirkby Malzeard CE Primary School (PAN: 15)

split R/Y1 and Y2 classes

READ Lizzie Oates, federation maths subject lead, explains how careful curriculum design and structured routines have supported implementation and improved pupil outcomes in a small, rural school setting using a split-class model in Reception and KS1, and a whole-class model in KS2.

Case Study: St Peter’s CE Primary School (PAN: 45)

READ Headteacher Paul Griffiths and Assistant Head/Maths Lead Emily Crankshaw (Cohort 3 NCETM Primary Mastery Specialist) explain how a two-year rolling programme supports continuity, improves curriculum coherence, and benefits pupils in their mixed-age class, using a whole-class approach.

WATCH Paul and Emily explain their approach in a Leadership Insights video. 

Case Study: Scotton Lingerfield Primary School (PAN: 15)

READ Yasmin Alvarez, maths lead and teacher of a mixed Year 5/6 class, shares how a mastery approach has been successfully embedded in a small-school setting, and how pupils have responded to learning in a mixed-age whole-class environment.

WATCH Yasmin and headteacher Debbie Calvert explain their approach in a Leadership Insights video.

Case Study: Fylingdales C of E VC Primary School

READ Fylingdales C of E VC Primary School has developed a teaching for mastery approach, flexible lesson design and purposeful provision to support secure foundations in number within a mixed-age classroom. Headteacher Helen Thompson and maths lead Alison Dykes share how this works in practice.

Find out more and get involved

To explore support options for developing teaching for mastery in a mixed-age setting, and how your school can access the two-year rolling programme for mixed-age classes, get in touch with your local Maths Hub. They can offer advice and access to a range of professional development opportunities, expert guidance and access to materials to help develop a mixed-age curriculum for your school.

Footnote

PAN (Published Admission Number): the number of pupils a school is permitted to admit into a year group. In small schools, a low PAN often results in mixed-age classes.