Written question asked by Keith Hampson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 November 1996. It was answered by Robin Squire (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 November 1996 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: How many classes in (a) primary and (b) secondary education there are with over 30 pupils; what were the figures in 1979; and what has been the percentage change. - Table given.

Answer: Dr. Hampson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many classes in (a) primary and (b) secondary education there are with over 30 pupils; what were the figures in 1979; and what has been the percentage change. [3883] Mr. Robin Squire: The information requested is shown in the following table: Number of classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher in maintained primary and secondary schools England Position in January in each year (1979 and 1996) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1979 1996 Percentage change Primary 44,899 38,338 -14.6 Secondary{1} 17,255 7,351 -57.4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Excludes pupils in sixth form colleges which ceased to be classified as schools in April 1993.

Secondary information