HC Deb 30 January 1989 vol 146 cc35-6W
Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the percentage of pupils in primary schools in Wales in classes of over 30.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

During a particular teaching period of an enumeration date in January 1988 11.6 per cent. of secondary school children were taught in single-teacher classes of more than 30 children and 12 per cent. were in classes of more than 30 taught by more than one teacher. Comparable figures are not available for primary schools. However, in September 1987, 16.9 per cent. of ordinary classes in maintained primary schools had more than 30 children.

Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the percentage of pupils in primary and secondary schools in Wales in classes of 35 and over in each local education authority in rank order.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

For secondary schools, the percentage of pupils who were being taught in a class group of more than 35 pupils during a particular teaching period on the enumeration date in January 1988 was as follows:

Classes taught by one teacher Classes taught by more than one teacher
Mid Glamorgan 1.2 16.7
Gwynedd 0.8 14.8
Dyfed 0.5 13.0
South Glamorgan 0.6 11.9
Gwent 0.3 11.6
West Glamorgan 0.3 9.6
Powys 0.5 8.0
Clwyd 0.7 3.6

Comparable information is not available for primary schools. However, the percentage of ordinary classes in maintained primary schools which had more than 35 children in September 1987 is as follows:

Percentage
Clwyd 4.8
Dyfed 1.2
Gwent 1.1
Mid Glamorgan 1.1
South Glamorgan 0.9
Powys 0.7
Gwynedd 0.6
West Glamorgan 0.6