Class size and education in England evidence report

The number of children born each year in England has risen significantly since 2004 and, apart from between 2009 and 2011, is projected to continue rising. Over the next few years this will inevitably increase demand for primary and secondary school places.

This report gives an overview of the existing evidence base on class size and education in England. In particular, it considers how class sizes have changed over time; and the impact of the increase in birth rate on pupil numbers and how this could affect the teacher requirement and class sizes; and the impact of class size on educational outcomes.

Includes:

• Executive summary
• Introduction
• Population changes and class size
• Impact of current legislation on class size
• How important is class size?
• International comparisons
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

DFE Research Report RR169 (PDF 68pp)

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