In multigrade schools teachers work with more than one curriculum grade at the same time in the same class.

Multigrade schools play an important role in providing access to ‘Education for All’ in many parts of the world – both developing and industrialised. They are also more than a reality in primary education in many parts of Europe, arising through necessity rather than choice. Their role is crucial, as they provide isolated communities in remote and disadvantaged areas with pedagogy and community service of good standards.

Nevertheless, due to geographical peculiarities and other socio-economic oddities, multigrade schools typically constitute a neglected aspect of education systems.