Bigger classes 'are better at sixth form'

According to new research from the Association of Colleges, there is a link between the size of a sixth form and the standards of grades its students achieve.

Citing analysis of figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the association claims that the larger the sixth form is, the better standard of results it produces.

Commenting on the issue, Geoff Lucas, spokesperson for the Headmasters' and Headmistresses Conference, said: "As with all of this there will be some extremely effective small sixth forms, and I would hate to say you have to be big to be good, but I am saying that somewhere there is a point that is too small."

He suggested bigger classes may help promote class discussion, adding: "You don't get the interplay with teaching staff as there is not enough people in the group."

Written by Charlotte Michaels

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