Parents of pupils at an Isle of Wight school say they have been left "concerned and frustrated" following a decision to cut the number of classes and have mixed age classes.

In a letter sent to parents on Friday, July 5, Greenmount Primary School, Ryde, said it will reduce the number of classes from 14 to 11.

Headteacher Rebecca Day said the school has a "significant and historic" deficit budget, which does not allow for really small class sizes for any further years.

From September, the start of the next academic year, there will also be mixed age classes for some year groups.

For example, in Key Stage 1, there will be three mixed Year 1 and Year 2 classes, while in lower Key Stage Two, there will be three mixed Year 3 and Year 4 classes.

Ms Day said the 'reshuffle' also allows the school to 'rectify problems' that are occurring in classrooms.

She said it allows the school to re-balance the mix of ability in classrooms and ensures there is a "positive balance of gender ratios".

Parents have told the County Press that at 'no point' were they told in advance of the letter going out.

Some say their children are "upset and anxious" about the changes.

One parent said: "As my children will be in a class with older children, I worry there will be an uptake in bullying.

"I also worry how my children will cope keeping up with the older children in their new classes.

"It is also really sad to know that they will be potentially split up from friends and disrupt bonds that have been forged over the years they have grown up with their fellow students."

The letter, seen by the County Press, said the school recognises that mixing the classes may cause some unrest for pupils.

"However, it is important for pupils to develop resilience in facing challenges and doing this in a safe and supportive school environment is all the more ideal", it said.

It adds that, where possible, friendship groups "will be considered".

An informal drop-in session was held on Wednesday, July 10, but one parent said it was arranged at short notice and at a time when a lot of people are working.

Updated

Headteacher Rebecca Day told the County Press: "Greenmount Primary School is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the school meets the needs of all children from September 2024 during a significant period of change, both within the school and potentially across the Isle of Wight as part of the council’s school place planning strategy.

"The school must ensure the quality of education is rapidly improved for the very youngest children aged two through to the end of the primary phase at Year 6, including the children placed within the Resourced Provision.

"In raising the quality of education, children will be taught the curriculum at the appropriate pace and delivered in line with effective long-term plans that ensure full delivery of the National Curriculum.

"As with many schools, both on the Isle of Wight and nationally, the children will be taught in mixed age classes to ensure the most effective, appropriate delivery. In doing this there are adequate plans to ensure the appropriate continued professional development of staff.

"Social and emotional development is also extremely important and has been well considered within this decision-making process. There is appropriate support in place for the children, families and staff during any period of change.

"The school’s leaders and governors are fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the very best for the children throughout any period of change, this includes continuing to work closely with the local authority which is fully aware of the situation."