§ 17. Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what effect the new limits on overall educational spending will have on pupil to teacher ratios and standards in schools.
§ Dr. BoysonIt is estimated that the overall pupil teacher ratio, 18.9: 1 in 1978–79 will improve to 18.7: 1 in 1980–81. My right hon. and learned Friend does not believe that our proposals for economies need affect the Government's commitment to promote higher standards.
§ 29. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools, respectively.
§ Dr. BoysonRatios of pupils per qualified teacher in January 1979, the latest available, were 23.1 within primary schools and 16.7 within secondary schools in the maintained sector in England. The overall ratio for all teaching staff paid by local education authorities for service in nursery, primary and secondary schools was 18.9 pupils per teacher. The planned ratio for January 1980 is 18.7, which is lower than any previously recorded figure; an estimate of the actual ratio should be available by the end of March.