HC Deb 13 November 2000 vol 356 cc503-4W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his assessment is of the recent research commissioned from the London School of Economics and Exeter University about the effect of (a) class sizes and (b) good teaching on school standards. [137913]

Ms Estelle Morris

The report commissioned from the London School of Economics and Exeter University into the relationship between resource allocation and educational attainment confirmed our view that a number of factors have an effect on pupil attainment. These include smaller infant classes and better quality teaching, both of which we were elected to deliver. The review also concluded that the quality of existing UK research is poor. This is why the Value for Money Unit is pursuing further research into the relationship between resource allocation and educational attainment.