Class Size and Learning - Everything You Need to Know

Class size can have a significant effect on how well your child learns and how much support they receive from the teacher.

To explore this topic in more depth, this article will discuss how class size impacts learning and what the ‘ideal class size’ is.

What is the Average Class Size in the UK?

The average class size in the UK is around 21-26 pupils to a classroom. All these pupils will be taught by one teacher.

The number of pupils per classroom differs depending on whether it is a Primary or Secondary School. As children progress up the schooling system, class sizes tend to decrease.

In Primary Schools, the average number of pupils per classroom is 26, however at Secondary School, the average is 21.

The reason class sizes decrease as the child gets older is to help facilitate learning at higher schooling levels. As the materials start to get more challenging, more attention is needed per pupil. By reducing the class size in later years, children can get more personalised help if they’re struggling with a certain area.

In recent years, the average number of pupils per classroom has increased and there is evidence suggesting that class sizes are now exceeding 30 pupils in some schools. However, this is more prevalent in state schools.

Therefore, searching for the right school for your child is essential. To learn more about school life at The High School of Glasgow, see our admissions page for more information.

Why Does Class Size Matter?

Class size plays a crucial role in the learning and development of your child in the classroom. By scaling down the number of pupils per teacher, children receive more personalised teaching- this is because the teacher will have more time to assess individual pupils during teaching hours.

Different studies have found that reducing the class size can have a positive impact on your child’s learning and small class sizes have shown to have the same impact as receiving an extra two months of learning in the academic year.

Research has also found that smaller class sizes can have a greater impact on younger pupils than older ones. Therefore, ensuring your child is receiving personalised teaching early on in their school career is even more essential.

For class size to have an influence on pupils, it’s important that the teacher can teach flexibly, offering dynamic methods for specific pupils who might learn in a different style to their peers.

All this evidence suggests that class size has an impact on your child’s learning. Therefore, researching a school’s teaching styles should be an important aspect to consider when looking for a school.

The High School of Glasgow and Class Size

At The High School of Glasgow, we monitor class sizes carefully to ensure your child is receiving the learning experience they require to thrive and excel.

As well as academic achievement, we also offer a range of extracurricular activities so your child can continue their development outside of the classroom.

To learn more about how we improve your child’s learning experience and explore the facilities at both our Bearsden and Anniesland campus, get in touch now or view our admissions page for more information.