Home | All Articles | Blog | Why Small Class Sizes Matter

Why Small Class Sizes Matter

Research has proven that small class sizes in pre-university education lead to higher academic achievement, stronger student engagement, and personalised learning.

Posted: 4th April 2025

In the landscape of pre-university education, class size is a crucial factor that directly influences student learning outcomes and academic results. While most international schools in Singapore opt for large classroom settings due to economic efficiencies, research consistently demonstrates that smaller class sizes yield significant academic and personal development benefits. For students preparing for rigorous qualifications such as the GCE A-Levels, IGCSE, or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma programme) in Singapore, the advantages of a small class environment cannot be overstated.

The Science Behind Small Class Sizes

Numerous academic studies have underscored the benefits of small class sizes. According to the Tennessee STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) study, it found that students in smaller classes (13–17 students) performed significantly better in reading and mathematics than those in larger classes. Furthermore, these benefits were most pronounced in the early years but had lasting impacts on students’ academic careers and overall educational attainment.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students in smaller classes had better engagement, received more personalised feedback, and demonstrated stronger critical thinking skills. These findings are particularly relevant for students undertaking pre-university education in Singapore, where competition is fierce, and students need every possible advantage to succeed in getting into competitive courses at universities, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, and veterinary medicine.

The Benefits of Small Class Sizes

Personalised Attention and Tailored Instruction

A key advantage of small class sizes is the increased personalised attention that students receive. Teachers can better assess individual strengths and weaknesses, adapting their teaching strategies accordingly. This is especially critical in A-Levels and IB schools in Singapore, where coursework is demanding and requires a deep understanding of subject matter to achieve good grades.

For students pursuing the IB programme in Singapore, personalised instruction can make a crucial difference in mastering complex subjects such as Higher-Level Mathematics or Theory of Knowledge (TOK). IB Teachers in smaller classes can provide targeted guidance on Extended Essays, Internal Assessments, and other coursework, ensuring students stay on track for top academic performance.

Higher Academic Achievement

Several studies have established a direct link between small class sizes and improved academic performance. A meta-analysis by the National Education Policy Center found that students in small classes outperformed their peers in larger classes, particularly in assessments requiring analytical and problem-solving skills, which are hallmarks of the IB programme and Singapore A-Levels.

With fewer students per teacher, feedback is more immediate and in-depth. This is particularly beneficial for students in IB schools in Singapore, where the IB curriculum demands high levels of analytical thinking and structured argumentation.

Students in small classes outperformed their peers in larger classes, particularly in assessments requiring analytical and problem-solving skills
National Education Policy Center

Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships

Smaller class sizes facilitate stronger relationships between students and teachers. When teachers have fewer students to manage, they can dedicate more time to mentoring, academic guidance, and emotional support. This is particularly valuable in pre-university settings, where students are under considerable pressure to perform well in IB programmes, GCE O-Levels, and IGCSE examinations.

At an international school in Singapore, where students often come from diverse backgrounds, a close student-teacher relationship fosters a sense of belonging and enhances the overall learning experience.

Increased Student Participation and Engagement

In smaller classes, students are more likely to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and engage in deeper learning. Studies from the OECD show that students in small classes tend to be more engaged, which is crucial in pre-university education where conceptual clarity is essential.

For instance, in an IB school in Singapore, small class sizes encourage open-ended discussions and Socratic questioning, both of which are integral to the IB programme’s inquiry-based learning approach.

“Smaller classes are effective in raising student achievement”
Prof. Diane Schanzenbach, Director of the Institute for Policy Research at the Northwestern University

Improved Soft Skills through Small Class Sizes

Beyond academics, small class sizes also contribute to the development of soft skills or enterprise skills, such as communication, collaboration, and leadership. In large classes, students may hesitate to voice their opinions or take initiative. In contrast, a small class setting encourages students to participate, articulate their viewpoints, and take initiative in discussions and projects.

Given the emphasis on holistic development in the International Baccalaureate Programme, these skills are invaluable. Universities and employers increasingly seek graduates who can think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively, which are skills most effectively nurtured in small class settings.

A School in Singapore that Prioritises Small Class Sizes

At Westbourne College (Singapore), we recognise the profound impact that small class sizes have on student success. Our award-winning approach is built on a commitment towards small class sizes with a typical student teacher ratio of 1:6 for IGCSE and 1:10 for the IB programme in Singapore. This ensures that every Westbourne student benefits from individualised support, personalised learning pathways, and direct access to experienced educators even outside of regular class hours.

As one of the best IB schools in Singapore, we provide a world-class IB Diploma in Singapore with a strong emphasis on STEM and Business-focused education. Our commitment to small class sizes means that students receive an unparalleled level of academic and industry exposure, equipping them to excel in their IB Diploma programme, university studies, and future careers.

Whether students are transitioning from GCE O-Levels, IGCSE, or another curriculum, our dedicated IB teachers ensures they seamlessly integrate into our IBDP Singapore programme, preparing them for admission to the world’s top universities such as NUS, NTU, Cambridge, Oxford, and others.

Westbourne class

"The availability of teachers outside of class hours has been a great help. It was a driving factor in why I was confident heading into my exams." Gabriel, IBDP 2024 Student (2024)

Hear from a Westbourne Teacher about our Small Class Sizes

Meet our dedicated teachers

Small class sizes are not a luxury, as they are fundamental for students striving for academic excellence in pre-university education. The scientific research is clear that small class sizes improve academic grades and student achievement through personalised learning, stronger teacher-student relationships, increased engagement, and the development of enterprise skills. For students considering a top IB school in Singapore or searching for other education in Singapore, choosing a leading school with small class sizes such as Westbourne College (Singapore) can be the key to maiximising academic performance.

Explore our IGCSE Programme Explore our IB Diploma

Hear from Westbourne parents

At Westbourne College (Singapore), we remain committed to this academic philosophy, ensuring that each student benefits from an exceptional learning environment designed for success. If you are looking for an international school in Singapore that prioritises academic excellence and student outcomes through small class sizes, we invite you to explore our award-winning approach and discover the Westbourne difference.

Book a personalised visit

"The teachers are really dedicated to us. I can clearly see how willing they are to support us with the amount of resources and knowledge they provide. It has really helped me improve on specific weak points." Manan, IBDP 2024 Student (2024)