§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are(a) the average and (b) the maximum numbers of children in primary school classes in (i) Inverclyde and (ii) Scotland; how many children are taught in classes with a number in excess of 30 pupils; and if he will make a statement.[3460]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 17 June 1997]: The latest information for 1995 is as follows:
Inverclyde Scotland Average class size 25.1 25.3 Maximum number in class 34 35 Number of pupils in classes of 31 or more 867 76,913 The information excludes the small number of classes which consist of a large group of pupils being taught by more than one teacher. It covers single and two stage classes in publicly funded schools only.
Class sizes are a matter in the first instance for local authorities and the Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee for teachers in school education The Government have made clear the priority it attaches to raising standards in Scottish schools. I expect to work closely with local authorities to help achieve that objective. Last month I made available fl 3 million for early intervention and raising standards in primary schools.
I will arrange for comparable information for each education authority in Scotland to be placed in the Library of the House.