§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current average pupil to teacher ratio in State primary schools; and how this compares for every year since 1970.
§ Dr. BoysonPupil-teacher ratios within maintained primary schools in England for each year from 1970 to 1981 are as follows. The ratio for 1982 will not be available until the Autumn.
January Pupil-teacher ratio within maintained primary schools* 1970 27.5 1971 27.0 1972 26.2 1973 25.5 1974 24.9 1975 24.2 1976 24.0 1977 23.9 1978 23.6 1979 23.1 1989 22.7 1981 22.6 * From January 1971 qualified teachers only.