§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the primary and secondary school pupil-teacher ratio for 1979, 1983, 1987 and the most recent year for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe pupil-teacher ratios in maintained primary and secondary schools in England in 1979, 1983 and 1987 and 1989 were as follows:
Primary Secondary 1979 23.1 16.7 1983 22.3 16.5 1987 21.9 15.6 1989 22.0 15.3 The pupil-teacher ratio in both primary and secondary schools has improved since 1979. It is for local education authorities and schools to make the best use of the available teacher resources.