§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average pupil-teacher ratio in primary and in secondary schools in England and Wales at the latest date for which figures are available and on 1st April 1974.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonStatistics for schools are collected by my Department in January of each year. In January 1978 the average ratios of pupils per qualified 51W teacher within maintained schools in England were 23.6 for primary schools—including middle deemed primary schools and immigrant centres—and 16.9 in secondary schools—including middle deemed secondary schools. Comparable ratios for January 1974 were 24.9 and 17.5 respectively. Statistics for schools in Wales are now the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.