Scottish Borders Council composite class policy agreed
A new policy on composite classes at schools in the Scottish Borders has been agreed by councillors.
The authority said it was designed to provide a "consistent and transparent process" for primary schools.
The previous arrangements had been criticised as having "insufficient flexibility to respond to specific circumstances in individual schools".
The new policy, which puts pupils from different school years in the same classroom, starts in April.
Composite classes can be required when the number of pupils in a particular year group exceeds the maximum class size.
George Turnbull, council executive member for education, said: "The policy approved today is designed to assist head teachers in those situations where one single year group class for each year group is not possible.
"We recognise that many parents prefer to see single year group classes and I should like to emphasise that the policy does not propose that composite classes should be created in preference to single year group classes.
"I would also like to thank all of the school staff and parents who contributed to the development of this new clearer and more consistent policy."