When it comes to your child’s education, one factor is often overlooked, but it can make or break their learning experience: class size.
You’ve likely heard the debate before: Do fewer students really mean better learning? Or isn’t a bigger class more dynamic and fun?
Here’s the thing—class size isn’t just a statistic. It directly impacts how well students engage, how confident they feel speaking up, and how effectively they grasp new concepts.
And in Singapore’s high-pressure academic landscape, especially regarding tuition, choosing the right learning environment can make all the difference.
Let’s unpack the seven key differences between small and large class sizes and why it might be time to rethink what’s “ideal” for your child.
What Is Considered an Ideal Class Size?
So, what does the ideal class size actually look like?
In most mainstream schools across Singapore, average class sizes can stretch to 30 or even 40 students—especially in upper primary and secondary levels.
To be fair, larger classes do have their perks. With more students, there’s often greater diversity in perspectives, livelier group discussions, and a dynamic energy that some learners enjoy.
But those benefits come with trade-offs. It’s harder to focus, individual support is limited, and teachers have less time to give personalised feedback.
That’s why many educational research points to a sweet spot: around 15 students or fewer. Smaller classes make it easier for teachers to monitor progress, address gaps early, and create a calmer learning environment.
This number is often even lower in tuition centres—some go as small as 4 to 6 students.
But why does this matter so much? Let’s break it down.
7 Key Differences Between Small vs Large Class Sizes
1. Student Attention: No One Gets Overlooked
In a small class, every student is on the teacher’s radar. With fewer students, teachers have a better handle on each child’s learning pace, strengths, and struggles—and more chances for students to ask questions without feeling like they’re interrupting the flow.
In larger classes, even the most dedicated teacher has to split their attention 30 ways.
When attention is spread too thin, misunderstandings can go unnoticed, and struggling students might quietly fall behind.
2. Customised Learning Approaches: Teaching That Fits
Every student learns differently, and in a smaller class, teachers can actually teach to those differences. Whether slowing down for trickier topics or offering stretch tasks to faster learners, lessons become more flexible and responsive.
In contrast, in larger classes, it’s harder to deviate from the general teaching method. Hence, teachers often focus on the group as a whole rather than on individual students.
Smaller groups make it possible to meet students where they are and help them grow from there.
3. Learning Environment: Calmer, Focused, More Supportive
Ever been in a classroom that felt like controlled chaos? That’s often the case with larger classes, where classroom management takes up more time than teaching.
Smaller class sizes naturally create a more peaceful learning environment. With fewer distractions and less noise, students can concentrate better, and teachers can focus on what matters—student learning.
A calmer classroom sets the tone for deeper, more effective learning.
4. Peer Interactions: Building More Meaningful Connections
Surprisingly, smaller classes often lead to stronger peer relationships. With fewer students, everyone gets a chance to contribute, discussions go deeper, and it’s easier to build real friendships—especially for quieter or more reserved learners.
In big classes, cliques can form quickly, and some students may fade into the background. It’s harder to feel seen or heard.
Smaller groups enable students to create a stronger sense of belonging.
5. Confidence and Participation: Every Voice Counts
In a small group, even the most reserved student has a safe space to speak up, ask questions, and engage. This boosts both student behavior and student performance.
In larger classes, it’s easier to “hide” at the back, especially for shy students. It’s easier to stay silent, nod along, and miss the chance to clarify doubts.
Smaller settings allow students to speak up—and grow more confident doing it.
6. Greater Curriculum Flexibility: Room to Go Beyond
Smaller class sizes allow teachers to adjust each lesson’s pace and depth. If students need to revisit foundational topics, there’s room to pause and reinforce. If they grasp things quickly, lessons can advance or branch out into enrichment.
This flexibility is harder in larger groups, where sticking to the set schedule is often the only way to stay on track.
The ability to slow down or accelerate gives students a major advantage—especially in high-stakes exam years.
7. Academic Progress: Consistent, Measurable Growth
Class size research repeatedly shows that class size reduction—especially in the early grades—has a positive, long-term impact on student achievement. Students in smaller groups tend to grasp concepts faster, retain information longer, and feel more confident tackling challenges.
It’s not just about doing better in exams—it’s about building long-term skills and habits that carry into classes and beyond.
This results in stronger exam performance and more confidence in their ability to tackle academic challenges.
So, Why Do Smaller Class Sizes Win (Almost) Every Time?
From individual attention to stronger academic achievement and deeper learning, the advantages of small class sizes stack up fast.
They don’t just help students perform better—they help them feel more confident, supported, and motivated to grow. It’s the kind of environment where questions are encouraged, academic performance is steady, and no one gets left behind.
And while large classes have their place, there’s no denying the impact of a focused, personal learning setting—especially in a demanding academic system like Singapore’s.
At The Nuggets Academy, that’s exactly the environment we’ve created!
Unlock Big Results with Small Classes at The Nuggets Academy!
If small class sizes make such a difference, why settle for less?
At The Nuggets Academy, we intentionally keep our groups small—a maximum of just six students per class—so that every student gets the focus, support, and space they need to truly improve.
Our expert tutors bring over 30 years of combined experience, guiding students of all levels with proven strategies that build both skill and confidence.
Lessons are delivered in bite-sized, engaging modules that break down complex topics into something students can actually understand and enjoy.
This isn’t just extra tuition—it’s personalised, confidence-building learning that sticks.
Contact us now to give your child the learning environment they deserve!