§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the ratios of pupils to teachers in maintained schools in England for every year since 1984–85, excluding teachers on secondment or in training.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe pupil-teacher ratio in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in England for each year since 1984–85 was as follows:
- 1984–85: 18.7
- 1985–86: 18.6
- 1986–87: 18.4
- 1987–88: 18.4
- 1988–89: 18.4
These ratios exclude teachers absent for long periods or seconded for other duties, but include any replacements. They also exclude student teachers, instructors and supply teachers.