Smaller schools, bigger benefits: why students benefit from personalised learning environments

Nord Anglia International School Pudong, China, shares the advantages of small community focused schools and why they could be the right fit for your child.

When parents weigh their options for their child's education, one common dilemma arises: should they choose a smaller or larger school? It's a question with no simple answer, as multiple factors contribute to the decision-making process.

At Nord Anglia International School (NAIS) Shanghai, Pudong, we pride ourselves on offering a unique educational experience. While our campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of advanced classroom features and sporting facilities, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to community, personalisation, and creating a warm and welcoming environment. We aim to provide our students with a 'home away from home,' where they are known by everyone and always feel comfortable and confident.

Our class sizes are smaller than some international schools, with small staff-to-student ratios, especially for our younger students who often require the most attention. For those children, we have at least one staff member for every four students, while in Primary year groups we generally have one staff member for every nine pupils in class. In Secondary school, while our most senior students are in larger tutor groups, they can often find themselves in much smaller class sizes for their chosen subjects, allowing them dedicated time with teachers to explore the technical and detailed nature of some subject content. Our Head of Secondary, Mr Greg Siccardi, explains further:

“When a student is learning the intricacies of chemical formulae, mathematical theorem, or the nuances of grammar in a new language, being able to discuss this on an almost one-on-one basis with their class teacher can be invaluable. Having a teacher available to quickly respond with detailed essay feedback, or to provide targeted additional support or challenge in a subject can be the critical difference between attaining a 6 and a 7 at IB Diploma level, which can in turn positively affect university choices in future.”

Small schools with smaller class sizes offer several additional advantages that contribute to a better educational experience for students, particularly in international settings where students come from diverse backgrounds and speak multiple languages. These include:

Individualised Learning

One of the key advantages of small schools and smaller class sizes is the opportunity for personalised attention and individualised learning. With fewer students to attend to, teachers and support staff can devote more time and attention to each student's needs, strengths, and challenges. This approach enables teachers to tailor instruction, address specific learning styles, and provide targeted support, resulting in enhanced academic growth and overall student wellbeing. The ability to offer this differentiated learning isn’t always possible in much larger schools, where students can sometimes feel lost in a crowded classroom and campus, and where their specific needs may be over-looked or ignored.

Stronger Teacher-Student Relationships

 In smaller class sizes, teachers can forge stronger and more meaningful relationships with their students. With a reduced number of children in each class, teachers can truly get to know each of them on a personal level, understanding their unique personalities, interests, and learning styles. This close connection fosters trust, communication, and a positive classroom environment, creating a sense of belonging and motivating students to actively engage in their learning.

Enhanced Collaboration and Participation

 With lower numbers of students in each class, there are more opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and active participation. Students feel more comfortable voicing their opinions, asking questions, and engaging with the material, leading to deeper learning experiences.

Cultivating Multilingual Environments

 In classrooms where not all children have English as a first language, smaller class sizes facilitate a more inclusive and supportive environment. Teachers can dedicate time to support language development for non-native English speakers, providing targeted language instruction and individualised support. With fewer students in the class, educators can better address the specific needs of multilingual learners, fostering their language acquisition and ensuring their successful integration into the learning community.

Reduced Language Barriers and Enhanced Language Proficiency

With lower student-to-teacher ratios, teachers can provide more targeted language instruction and support, benefiting both non-native and native English speakers. This focused approach enhances language proficiency and communication skills for all students.

Increased Engagement and Academic Achievement

 The intimate setting of smaller schools promotes higher levels of student engagement and academic achievement. Students feel more connected to their learning environment, leading to improved academic performance and a love for lifelong learning.

Enhanced Social and Emotional Wellbeing

 Small schools enable a sense of community and support, reducing instances of bullying and promoting positive relationships among students. Teachers can provide more personalised social-emotional support, helping students develop resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Outside of the traditional classroom, having smaller groups of students can have a hugely beneficial impact on utilisation of additional teaching and learning spaces around the school. For example, a school initially designed to accommodate a smaller number of students, but which has since increased in size, may find that spaces such as sports pitches, swimming pools or gymnasiums may be over-used or not available to all students when needed. Dedicated spaces such as ICT rooms, music rooms, or theatres may also be impacted in this way.

Parents too may struggle in larger school settings to have their voices heard, with teachers in demand from families or students across multiple classes and year groups. Feedback on students may not be as personalised as that found in smaller class settings, and demand for teacher time to discuss progress or concerns can be limited.  Head of Primary, Mr Richard Thompson, adds:

“At NAIS Pudong we have an open-door policy which allows for direct communication and feedback between teachers and parents, primarily through our online platforms, but also through emails, telephone calls and personal meetings with parents. In addition, we have a structured reporting system which allows parents to see in detail how their child is progressing. This close contact approach can get lost in larger school settings, so we’re proud to be able to offer this more personal approach here.”

The advantages of small schools and smaller class sizes are evident in the enriched educational experience they offer. By embracing the benefits of personalised teaching and learning, stronger relationships, enhanced collaboration, and a focus on inclusivity, schools like NAIS Pudong create nurturing and engaging environments that empower students to thrive academically and personally. We strive to develop creative, confident and considerate students who are prepared for their futures, and our school enables that perfectly.

This article first appeared in the 2024/25 edition of John Catt's Guide to International Schools, which you can read here: