The number of overcrowded classes in England’s schools has grown by 20% under Tory rule.
New analysis of Government data shows 900,672 kids are taught in supersize classes, up by 153,141 from 2010, with poorer areas hit harder.
Classes of more than 30 children lead to worse outcomes, but aLabour study shows areas grappling the lowest social mobility – like Barnsley, Swindon, Hampshire and Nottinghamshire – have both the highest proportion of pupils in the large groups and the biggest rise in class sizes.
Yet the top 19 local authorities, all in London, with the highest social mobility, have on average smaller classes.
Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, called the figures “a direct result of Government underfunding” with schools unable to hire more staff.
He added: “It is more difficult in large classes to provide individual support to pupils. The Government must do more to ensure funding is sufficient for the needs of schools.”
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Class sizes are a key priority for parents.” Labour ’s Wes Streeting added: “Evidence shows kids from the poorest backgrounds are hit hardest.” A 2019 Mirror investigation found some schools had classes of up to 67 pupils.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “We have created an additional million school places between May 2010 and May 2019.”
