§ 6. Mr. SymsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about class sizes in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Wales. [82090]
§ Mr. MichaelIn January 1998, the average class size in primary schools was 27 pupils for ordinary classes, 26 for nursery classes and 10 for special classes. Overall, 33 per cent. (97,508) of primary school pupils were in classes with 31 pupils or more. The average class size in secondary schools was 21 pupils.
Significant progress has been made in implementing our commitment to reduce all infant class sizes to 30 pupils or less by the end of this Parliament. £11.3 million has been awarded in grant for 1999–2000. It is estimated that this will solve almost 90 per cent. of the problem of large infant classes in Wales.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.