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Pupil-Teacher Ratios

Volume 87: debated on Tuesday 19 November 1985

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39.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the current pupil-teacher ratios in primary and secondary schools, respectively; and if he expects these to change in the next three years.

Average pupil to teacher ratios within primary and secondary schools respectively were 22·2:1 and 16·1:1 in England in January 1985. The overall ratio of pupils to teachers nationally was at its best ever level of 17·8:1. The Government recognise that their policies for better schools imply some further limited improvement in the overall pupil to teacher ratio but the extent and pace of this improvement will depend on future public expenditure plans, changes in the cost of employing staff, and the staffing decisions of individual local authorities.