§ 24. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Education what is his policy for the size of classes in primary and secondary schools, in sets for O level subjects and in sixth forms; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy present aim is to ensure a maximum of not more than 40 pupils in a primary class or 30 in a secondary class and an average class size well below these levels. There should thus be room for some flexibility in staffing classes of different age groups, especially those to which the hon. Member has referred, and the special needs thus arising are taken into account in the quota arrangements. The way in which available teachers are in practice deployed between the age groups is a matter for individual local education authorities and schools to decide.