HC Deb 13 March 1985 vol 75 cc154-5W
Mr. Tracey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to pupil-teacher ratios at primary and secondary level in each of the European Economic Community nations.

Mr. Dunn

The available information is shown in the following table, but it is not possible to provide data on a strictly comparable basis for each country. In particular, figures for the United Kingdom and Germany are based on full-time equivalent pupils divided by full-time equivalent teachers, while for other countries the figures are simply total pupils divided by total teachers. Moreover the definition of "teacher" can vary between countries and may include staff not engaged in teaching. Reference is made to further differences in the footnotes to the table.

Year Up to 1st Level* Year 2nd Level
Luxembourg 1982 14.5 1982 12.1
Netherlands 1982 19.3 1982 15.0(●)
United Kingdom (FTEs)¶ 1982 22.1 1982 13.9(▀)
* Equates broadly with nursery and primary education.
† Equates broadly with secondary school education and non-advanced further education.
‡ Public sector teachers only: For some countries pupils and teachers in the private sector will be included in the figures.
≑ Excludes pre 1st level; includes main secondary schools.
¶ Full-time equivalent.
● 2nd level general only.
▀ Maintained secondary schools, and non-advanced further education. The figure for secondary schools is 16.2.