Vol. 473 No. 3
147 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the maximum number of pupils per class currently allowed in a primary national school; the average number of pupils per class in Dublin; the average number of pupils per class nationally; the proposed changes, if any, to deal with the problem of classes with 39 pupils or over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25159/96]
The current maximum class size guidlines for primary schools are as follows: 35 pupils in the case of a single grade class group; 34 pupils in the case of a class group of two consecutive grades; 31 pupils in the case of multi-grade class group. In addition, a maximum of 29 pupils applies in the case of all classes in schools which are designated as disadvantaged while a maximum of 28 pupils applies to one teacher schools which have more than four standards.
In the case of the large urban schools involved in my new initiative Breaking the Cycle a maximum class size of 15 pupils is applicable to all junior classes. The most up-to-date information available on the average number of pupils per class relates to the 1995-96 school year. The average figure for Dublin county was 28.8, while the average for Dublin city was 27.7. The average number of pupils per class nationally for the 1995-96 school year was 26.9.
No primary school should have classes with 39 pupils or more. School authorities are advised, in cases where classes cannot be organised within the above-mentioned guidelines, to make application to my Department in the matter before 1 November.
