AbstractA new approach to linear plate theory for layered structures is introduced. The new theory distances itself from the classical strategy where through the thickness displacement functions are assumed a priori. Instead, the homogenization is based on a single assumption that the plate response is a superposition of fundamental states. An equivalent single‐layer (ESL) formulation is presented, which, for the first time, allows accurate three‐dimensional stress and strain fields to be recovered through a postprocessing strategy that is consistent with the theory's assumptions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.