Every child deserves to be known, understood and challenged as an individual. But in a busy classroom, how easy is it for a teacher to spot the child who has grasped the concept and needs stretching further, or the child who is quietly struggling and needs a little more support?
At Hilden Oaks, we believe that small classes make a significant difference. Our classes have a maximum of 20 children, creating the opportunity for teachers to know each pupil well and to respond to their individual needs.
There is good evidence behind this approach. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) notes that the impact of reducing class size becomes more apparent when classes fall to around 20 pupils or fewer, because this gives teachers greater scope to change how they teach. Smaller classes can enable more high-quality interaction, more opportunities for feedback and greater flexibility in how learning is organised.
Research from the UCL Institute of Education also highlights that class size affects much more than academic attainment. It can influence classroom relationships, behaviour, the balance between whole-class and individual teaching, the quality of feedback and opportunities for independent and investigative learning.
At Hilden Oaks, we see the benefit every day. A maximum of 20 pupils means our teachers can build strong pastoral relationships, understand how each child learns and provide timely, personal feedback. It also gives them the opportunity to provide targeted challenge: encouraging a confident mathematician to think more deeply, helping a developing writer refine their ideas, or giving a child who lacks confidence the support to persevere.
But small classes alone are not enough. Great teaching matters. Our experienced and specialist teachers bring deep subject knowledge, high expectations and a thorough understanding of how children learn. When this expertise is combined with the time and space created by smaller classes, pupils are better placed to make excellent progress and fulfil their potential.
For us, this is what a Hilden Oaks education is about: knowing each child as an individual, recognising their strengths, identifying where they can grow and giving them the confidence to take their next step.
Could smaller class sizes and experienced specialist teachers support your child to achieve their potential?