A "rainy day fund" will see Year 5 and 6 classroom sizes at Stratford Primary School become significantly smaller this year.
Chairperson of the school's board of trustees Kelly Marriner says the board had received a lot of feedback from parents and teachers who wanted to see a smaller teacher-pupil ratio in this year level.
The problem will be solved by hiring another full-time teacher.
Although its Education Ministry funding does not contain enough for another teacher, the board has a long-term investment fund, "a rainy day fund", that can be used to achieve the best for students.
Principal David Cripps is thrilled that the board "is looking out for our students well-being". David says that while it is a disappointment the ministry cannot offer funding to provide the extra teacher, "our board is doing the best thing for the school and the students".