Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: 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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information