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The practice of splitting twins, triplets and higher order multiples into different classes, or on occasion different schools, can have significant impact on their psychological and academic wellbeing.
We know that this can be a big issue for our families and have lots of support and advice available to help guide you through the together or apart question.
Why should it be the parents' decision?
Parents of multiples should be the primary decision-makers on whether their children are kept together or separated at school as they have the deepest understanding of their children's personalities, needs and dynamics. Parents are best equipped to assess how their children interact with one another, whether they provide mutual support or inhibit each other's development. Parents can evaluate whether separation would foster independence or cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Every set of twins, triplets or more has a unique bond and a one-size-fits-all approach by schools won't account for individual differences.
Understanding individual differences
Twins often have distinct personalities, learning styles and social needs. Some may thrive together, drawing comfort and support from their sibling's presence, while others might need space to develop their individual identities. Parents observe their children every day, so are best equipped to understand these differences. They can assess whether their twins benefit from being together or if separating them would encourage greater independence and personal growth.
Emotional and social development
The emotional bond between twins or triplets can be incredibly strong and this connection often influences their social development. That's why, for some twins, being in the same classroom can provide a sense of security, reducing anxiety and helping them adjust to school life more easily. For others, separation may be necessary to avoid unhealthy dependency and to encourage each child to form their own friendships. Parents can gauge their twins' emotional readiness for either scenario.
Multiples do not always share the same academic strengths and weaknesses. One might excel at maths, whilst the other shines at languages. If twins are placed together, there's a risk that one might overshadow the other, or that teachers might compare them unfairly. On the other hand, keeping them together might encourage collaboration and mutual academic support. Parents are in a prime position to observe how their children approach learning and to decide whether they would benefit from being in the same classroom or if separate classes would better cater to their individual educational needs.
Avoiding one-size-fits-all policies
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in education, because what works for one (pair) may not work for another. By allowing parents to make the decision, schools can avoid the pitfalls of rigid policies that may not serve the best interests of all students. Instead, a flexible, case-by-case approach can be adopted, ensuring that each set of multiples receives the educational environment that best supports their development.
Strengthening the parent-school partnership
When schools involve parents in decisions about twin or triplet placement, it strengthens the parent-school partnership. This collaboration fosters better communication and trust between parents and educators, leading to a more supportive and understanding environment for the children. When parents feel that their insights and knowledge about their multiples are valued, they are more likely to be engaged and active participants in their children's education.
What do we want to see?
Education policies must prioritise parental choice and input in class and school selection. This should be clearly set out in legislation and not for the schools to decide as they choose. If you currently need help with this issue, we have lots more advice on the question of whether you should keep your multiples together or apart.
Your experience matters
We invite community feedback and support in pushing for these changes. If you would like to share your story or talk to us about our campaigns please email [email protected].
In the meantime, we're working behind-the-scenes to make change on this and we will keep you up-to-date with progress and let you know if we need you to take action. If you're not already subscribed to our updates, register your free Twins Trust account and opt-in to receive campaigns emails.