Our Class Structure at Grosvenor Park Primary School

At Grosvenor Park Primary School, we welcome 45 new pupils into Reception each year.

Foundation Stage (Reception)

Our Reception department is home to two classes, each with approximately 22–23 children. These classes share a spacious, open-plan learning environment, designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and exploration.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)

We have three Key Stage 1 classes, carefully structured to meet the needs of our Year 1 and Year 2 pupils. In line with national guidelines, each class accommodates no more than 30 children, ensuring a nurturing and focused learning experience.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)

Our Key Stage 2 department consists of six classes, supporting children from Year 3 to Year 6. We aim to maintain class sizes of around 30 pupils, allowing for meaningful relationships and personalised learning.

Staffing and Support

Every class benefits from a minimum 1:15 adult-to-child ratio, with a dedicated class teacher and a qualified teaching assistant (TA) in each room. This ensures that every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Beyond the classroom, our school employs a Learning Mentor, who plays a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and social development, especially during playtimes.

We also have part-time teachers who provide cover during teachers’ planning and preparation time, ensuring continuity and quality in teaching.

Our Approach to Teaching and Learning

We understand that every child is unique, with their own pace and style of learning. That’s why our teaching is flexible and responsive, using a variety of approaches to suit different developmental stages and subject areas.

Our goal is to challenge and inspire every pupil, helping them build the skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education—and for life beyond school.

Mixed-Age Classes: What You Need to Know

We often receive questions from new parents about our mixed-age class structure—and we’re proud to say it’s a model that works exceptionally well.

Mixed-age teaching is increasingly common across England, including here in Lancashire. Research and international studies show that children benefit both academically and socially from learning alongside peers of different ages.

Why Mixed-Age Works

• Pupils become role models, helping younger children learn and grow.
• Pupils gain confidence and motivation by working with older classmates.
• This dynamic fosters problem-solving, vocabulary development, and social skills in a natural and meaningful way.
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Our teachers are highly skilled in planning for a wide range of abilities and interests. Mixed-age classes allow us to:

• Stretch more able younger pupils by pairing them with older children working at similar levels.
• Support older pupils who may need more time to meet age-related expectations, without them feeling isolated.

Curriculum Coverage

We follow a two-year rolling programme to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum. No child repeats topics, and every pupil receives a rich and varied learning experience.

Class Grouping

Our mixed-age classes are thoughtfully arranged using an alphabetical system, which helps us:

• Avoid placing siblings in the same class.
• Maintain consistent peer groups of around 15 children throughout their time with us.
• Reduce disruption and promote stability, unlike traditional models where class composition changes annually.

We believe this approach is fair, inclusive, and beneficial for all children.