National class sizes
The national maximum class sizes for a single year group are:
- Primary 1 – up to 25 pupils
- Primary 2–3 – up to 30 pupils
- Primary 4–7 – up to 33 pupils
The maximum size of a composite class of any age group is 25 pupils.
What is a composite class?
A composite class is where children from two or more year groups are taught together. Almost all primary schools in Scottish Borders have one or more composite classes. In smaller schools, pupils are likely to be in a composite class throughout their primary years.
Why are composite classes formed?
Composite classes are formed to make the most efficient use of teaching staff. The number of teachers allocated to a primary school is based on the total number of children enrolled, not on the number in each individual year group. The headteacher decides the most appropriate class structure for the school, based on pupil numbers.
Class structures are created in line with:
- national maximum class size limits
- our composite class policy
How are children allocated to composite classes?
Headteachers arrange classes according to the following principles:
- Whole year groups
Where possible, children from the same year group will be kept together. In small schools, this may include composite classes with more than two year groups, for example P4/5/6. - Age-based criteria
When a year group must be split across different classes, the division will be based on age, for example, placing the youngest children from one year group with the oldest children from the year below. This approach:- allows class groupings to resemble single-year classes
- is objective and easy for parents to understand
- supports fairness and consistency across schools
- Minimum group size
Each year group within a composite class will normally include at least five children, unless exceptional circumstances apply. - Individual needs
Headteachers have discretion to make exceptions for individual children with specific needs, such as additional support needs or significant social, emotional or behavioural considerations. This is done in consultation with parents or carers. Please note that friendship groups alone are not considered a valid reason for class placement. - Siblings
In smaller schools, it may be necessary for siblings in the same year group to be in the same composite class. Where this applies, parents’ views will be taken into account.
How will I know about composite class arrangements in my school?
When a new composite class is being introduced to a school for the first time, the headteacher will meet with parents before class decisions are finalised to:
- explain why the composite class is required
- discuss how the policy will be applied
Headteachers will also:
- keep parents informed about how children are taught in composite classes
- share how the school will help children develop a strong year group identity, even within a mixed-stage class
When will I know what class my child is in?
Parents will be informed of class placements as early as possible. However, all arrangements are subject to change if pupil numbers increase or decrease before the start of term.
Once class structures are confirmed following the annual pupil census in September, they will normally remain in place for the rest of the school year, unless exceptional circumstances require change.
Will the same children always be in a composite class?
In smaller schools, children will typically remain in composite classes throughout their time in primary school.
If the same year groups are grouped together from one year to the next, the presumption is that the same pupils will remain in the composite class. This helps maintain consistency and class identity.
However, headteachers may make alternative arrangements based on the local context, for example, if very few children from one year group were in the previous year’s composite.
Who can I talk to about composite classes?
If you would like to know more about composite classes, or to discuss your child’s class arrangements, please contact your child’s headteacher. They will be happy to:
- explain how decisions have been made
- discuss how your child’s needs are being met
- provide further guidance or address any concerns