Falling pupil numbers should lead to smaller class sizes, says union
Summary
The National Education Union said that fewer pupils in England’s schools should lead to smaller class sizes instead of fewer teachers. The government is making progress toward hiring 6,500 extra teachers in secondary and special schools, but it has cut recruitment targets for primary schools because pupil numbers there are expected to drop.Key Facts
- About one million pupils in England are in classes with 31 or more students.
- From 2023 to 2029, primary school pupil numbers are expected to fall by 6.8%, while secondary numbers stay stable.
- The government aims to hire 6,500 extra teachers for secondary, special schools, and further education colleges by the end of this parliament.
- So far, 4,654 extra teachers have been hired toward that target.
- Overall, there are expected to be 1,900 fewer full-time school teachers by 2025.
- The government’s promise to recruit more teachers does not include primary schools or early years.
- Funding for schools falls as pupil numbers drop because money is given per pupil.
- Some schools face challenges recruiting specialist teachers, especially for children with special educational needs.
- Teacher pay disputes continue, with a potential strike ballot planned if pay increases are not properly funded.
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