Class size in independent schools

[hellogg87]

I have read that class sizes are smaller in independent schools, but is the difference significant? Can anyone tell me that average class size at a independent school, particularly for primary?

It will vary. Some have small classes, others will be in the 20s.

The typical size in my neck of the woods is no more than 20 (with 1 teacher and one TA). Some are smaller, though I wouldn't like less than 16 and certainly not less than 12. Always worth checking, especially with very small class sizes, what TA provision they have

My daughter attended three different private schools from the age of four to 18 and classes were never bigger than 15, sometimes less. They would run two classes if it got more than that, there was also assistants with the teacher in each class.

Much depends on the school. The local state schools averaged about 32 and often the teacher was in there alone.

Thank you, this gives me a good idea.

Max 20 and often less.

I meant to say that's around here

The class sizes in senior school can be up to 30.

The class sizes in senior school can be up to 30

You mean in state school right? I'm in the south east and looked at a lot of private schools in my time when making judgements, not one ran classes this big. All were significantly under twenty.

I think it's also dependent on how selective they are.

I know some of the big, academic North London private high schools have relatively big classes, as everyone is of a level and can keep up with the pace.

Be wary of very small class sizes. This can indicate a school in trouble; and it can spell a far smaller pool in which to find friendship.

At dd2s current school there are about 15 or 16 in each set class. About 5 or 6 sets per year

The one before there were 7, the school was in trouble, the class size was far too small, only 15 in her entire year!!

Ours is 14 per class with a teacher and a TA. They are two form entry though, so DC get the opportunity to mix with lots of children at play time

bluntness a previously active MNetter with DDs in places like NLC said her DD's class size was something like 22-24.

My DSs were in Y5 and 6 classes of 20 and 22 apiece in a state primary due to demographics.

Interesting, I hadn't thought of a class being too small as a problem. But that makes sense.

At the private school my children went to they had 18/20 in every class after reception where the total was spread over 3 classes . There was a teacher and TA per class and at least 95% pass the 11+ every year ( Kent school) .

Yes too small deffo a problem. The only time they are small is in something like classical Greek where there are only 12 entrants.

My DD’s school is just juniors (it’s the junior part of a 7-18 through school) and she has 16 in her class (year 5) but no TAs - not needed at that stage - the school has a separate learning support suite for those that need extra help. There are four classes in the year group. DS in year 8 of the same school has 23 (their max) in his teaching set.
Both mine attended a state primary with 30 children to a class (1 teacher and a TA). Both find the smaller classes a positive experience.

@QueenMabby that's great! Would love to see class size between 14-20. I think m daughter would thrive in that environment.

19 in our class for our 5yr old, 7 girls and 12 boys. Her previous school had smaller classes and I prefer a slightly larger number, more vibrancy and range of friendships.

Friend of ours is in a state primary in a class of 13, only 3 of which are girls. It's ok for her so far, but I would worry with such small numbers and such few girls.

I know some of the big, academic North London private high schools have relatively big classes, as everyone is of a level and can keep up with the pace.

I was at Habs girls many years ago and class size was 28

Yes, mine had 25 in a class once they hit juniors. Infants 21/22.

I discounted any school with class sizes less than 15.

It will depend on the school some have 12 per class some up to around 20 or slightly higher. Few will go up to 30.

Between 12 and 16 per class, two classes per year.

Primary R-Y2 was 16 (with teacher and TA in every class), Y3-6 was 18, (with a TA across the year group of three classes), secondary 25 (though obviously some GCSE subjects have smaller class sizes according to pupils' choices.
Urban Midlands schools.

Do not forget that any figures on class size averages are likely to include special schools which can have significantly smaller class sizes, though that applies to both maintained and independent sectors.
Check with the schools you're interested in.

Completely dependent on the school.
My niece went to a pre-prep with 26 in the class.
Another niece (different side of the family, different location) went to a pre-prep with 12 in the class.