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Education Schools (Pupil-Teacher Ratios)

Volume 530: debated on Thursday 22 July 1954

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37.

asked the Minister of Education the pupil-teacher ratios in independent primary schools recognised by her Department as efficient, and in maintained primary schools, respectively.

In January, 1953, the last date for which figures are available, the pupil-teacher ratio for independent primary schools recognised as efficient was 12·3: the comparable figure for maintained primary schools was 32·3.

What steps does the Parliamentary Secretary intend to take to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in maintained primary schools?

The only method is by the number of teachers being increased. My right hon. Friend is confident that the numbers are being increased and that the average size of classes in primary schools should begin to fall appreciably in about three years' time.