HC Deb 08 April 1971 vol 815 cc294-5W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many classes in local authority secondary schools in Aberdeen, and in Scotland, contain more than 30, 40 and 50 pupils respectively;

(2) how many classes in local authority primary schools in Aberdeen, and in Scotland, contain more than 30, 40 and 50 pupils, respectively.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The following table shows the position at January, 1970, the latest date for which details are available.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

At January, 1970, there were 20,921 secondary pupils in independent and grant-aided schools; this is 6.44 per cent. of the total number of secondary pupils in Scotland.

It is estimated that by January, 1975, there will be 411,700 secondary pupils in all Scottish schools and there are no reasons for supposing that there will be a significant change in the percentage in independent and grant-aided schools.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils attend private schools in Scotland at primary level at the latest available date; what percentage of the total number of primary pupils in Scotland this represents; and what estimate his Department has made of what the numbers and percentages will be in 1975.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

At January, 1970, there were 16,799 primary pupils in independent and grant-aided schools; this is 2£63 per cent. of the total number of primary pupils in Scotland.

It is estimated that by January, 1975, there will be 625,800 primary pupils in all Scottish schools and there are no grounds for concluding that there will be a significant change in the percentage in independent and grant-aided schools.