Introduce a legal maximum class size of 24 pupils in primary schools in England
Pass legislation to limit all primary school classes in England to 24 pupils. This would help ensure teachers can manage classrooms effectively, that pupils get the support they need, and that inclusive practice for SEND children is realistic
Signatures
36
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 36/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 36/100,000
- 08 APR 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Francesca Gilbert
Background
Average primary classes in England are 26–27 pupils, with no legal limit for Years 3–6. Nearly 1 in 5 pupils have SEND. Smaller classes would improve learning, behaviour, and wellbeing, reduce teacher workload, increase teacher retention, and make inclusive classrooms possible. There are other countries with smaller classes which have better outcomes.