Labour: Thousands more children could be returning to overcrowded classrooms as pupils in class sizes over 31 soars

As children return to classrooms this week, new analysis from Labour today [Wednesday] shows that the number of pupils in class sizes over 31 has increased substantially under the Conservatives. This comes after news that secondary school class sizes are at their highest average level since 2001.

Labour’s analysis shows that in 5 years:

• The number of secondary pupils in class sizes of 31 or more increased by over 130,000, an increase of 43%
• The number of primary school pupils in class sizes of 31 or more has increased from already high levels by nearly 20,000, or 3.7%

Labour analysis of figures from the House of Commons Library also shows that:

• The number of secondary pupils in classes of 31 or more has increased since 2010 from one in ten to almost one in seven pupils
• The number of primary pupils in classes of 31 or more has increased since 2010 from one in nine to one in eight pupils

Coinciding with this increase in class sizes the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their better off peers has not narrowed over the last five years, leaving disadvantaged pupils 18 months behind their peers when taking their GCSEs. Larger class sizes could also create challenges for teachers trying to give pupils individual support and attention as they return to school.

To tackle these inequalities, Labour has launched a new ‘Bright Future Taskforce’ to deliver a long-term strategy for children’s recovery and ensure every child has the chance to fulfil their potential.

Kate Green MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said:

“The Conservatives have turned back the clock on education, reversing twenty years of progress to reduce class sizes and ensure every child gets the dedicated teacher attention they need.

“Under the Conservatives the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their peers had not narrowed for five years even before the pandemic. These Conservative choices are holding back children’s education.

“Labour has launched our Bright Future Taskforce to tackle the damage done by these policies ensuring every child can recover from the pandemic and achieve their potential.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

• The number of secondary pupils in class sizes of 31 or more increased by over 130,000 between 2016 and 2020, an increase of 43% and the number of primary school pupils in class sizes of 31 or more has increased by nearly 20,000

https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics

• Analysis of figures from the House of Commons Library also shows percentage point increases in the percentage of pupils in classes of 31 or more
• Average secondary class sizes at highest level since 2001

https://www.tes.com/news/secondary-school-class-sizes-biggest-19-years#:~:text=Average%20secondary%20school%20class%20sizes,2019%20to%2022%20in%202020.

• Disadvantaged pupils are 18 months behind at GCSE a gap which had not narrowed in five years even before the pandemic https://epi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EPI_2020_Annual_Report_.pdf

• Labour’s Bright Futures Taskforce will develop a national strategy to ensure all children recover the learning and social development lost during the pandemic and have the chance to reach their full potential.

The Taskforce will put the voices of children and young people at its heart alongside engaging with parents, teachers and school and college leaders. Kate Green MP and the taskforce will be holding discussion events across the country in the coming months.

Recovery from this pandemic is about more than just educational outcomes, and the Taskforce will focus on children’s happiness and wellbeing, as well as educational attainment.

The Taskforce will focus on children’s whole experience of the education system, from early years through to becoming adults.

Further information including Taskforce membership is available here: https://labour.org.uk/bright-future-taskforce-2/