When choosing an independent school, parents often look first at exam results and league tables. But behind every top result lies something more important: the environment in which students learn. One of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — factors is class size.
At Westbourne, our average class size is just 15 students. Educational research shows this makes a significant difference — particularly in the skills that matter for the future.
Top 5 Reasons Why Class Sizes Matter
1. Every student is seen
Smaller classes mean teachers have more time for each learner. The Tennessee STAR study, one of the most influential pieces of research on class size, found that students in smaller groups outperformed their peers academically and that these benefits lasted well beyond primary school.¹
For older students, this translates into:
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Personalised feedback on every assignment
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Early identification of strengths and support needs
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A culture where confidence grows because every student is known
