HC Deb 23 January 1981 vol 997 c245W
Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools for the coming year; and if this estimate assumes any change in the proportion of pupils staying on beyond the minimum school leaving age.

Dr. Boyson

The pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools in January 1981 is expected to be very close to the 1980 figure of 16.6. It is not yet possible to say how, in the light of the expenditure plans shortly to be published, local education authorities might distribute available resources among different types of school in 1981–82. No marked change is being assumed in the proportion of pupils staying on.