HC Deb 28 March 1983 vol 40 cc28-9W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what pupil to teacher ratio in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools the Government are aiming to achieve.

Dr. Boyson

In January 1982 the pupil teacher ratio in maintained primary schools in England was 22.5 to 1, and in secondary schools 16.6 to 1. The Government's expenditure plans, published as Cmnd. 8789, would allow some improvement in pupil teacher ratios over 1982 levels, provided that local education authorities contain their pay and other costs.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the most recent figures for the pupil to teacher ratio in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and in the United Kingdom as a whole.

Dr. Boyson

In January 1982 the pupil-teacher ratios within primary and secondary schools in Cambridgeshire were 23.5 and 16.8 respectively. The corresponding ratios for England were 22.5 and 16.6. The figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for those countries.