One in five primaries 'over crowded'

One in five primary schools in England are overcrowded at present, new figures have revealed.

Statistics published by the Department for Education show that 20.3 per cent currently have more pupils than they should, with factors such as immigration and high birth rates in some areas contributing to the rise.

This has also had a knock-on effect as far as secondary schools are concerned. Figures show that 29.3 per cent of state secondaries are full or have exceeded pupil capacity, compared to 28.8 per cent last year.

Figures show that class sizes for the youngest pupils are at the highest they have been for 12 years.

Baroness Margaret Eaton, chairman of the Local Government Association, said children need schools that are safe, clean and attractive places in which to learn.

"Spending money to maintain or replace existing school buildings is unavoidable. Areas experiencing booming birth rates need to be able to expand primary schools so that every child has a place not too far from their home," she commented.

 

Meet the Teaching Personnel news team >>