HC Deb 06 February 1968 vol 758 c92W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage reductions have been made in the size of primary and secondary school classes and the number of pupils per teacher from 1963 to date; and what was the estimate for the average number of, pupils per teacher in 1972 on the basis that the school-leaving age was raised in 1970–71.

Mr. Gordon Walker

The table below gives the answer to the first part of the Question:

over the age of 15 years, remained at secondary school, until attaining the age of 16 or later.

Mr. Gordon Walker

In January, 1967, 15-year old pupils over school leaving age in maintained secondary schools in Wales were 44.7 per cent. of the corresponding number of 13-year old pupils two years earlier. With the exception of the relatively small number of those born between April and August who left at Easter 1967, all of the 44.7 per cent. remained in school until attaining the age of 16 or later.