THOUSANDS more children could be returning to overcrowded classrooms as the number of pupils in class sizes of over 31 is soaring under the Tories, a Labour analysis revealed yesterday.

Labour’s review of government statistics shows that in five years, the number of secondary pupils in class sizes of 31 or more increased by 43 per cent.

And the number of primary-school pupils in class sizes of 31 or more has increased from already high levels by nearly 20,000.

In England and Wales, there is no statutory limit on the size of any class above key stage one.

Labour said that, coinciding with this increase in class sizes, the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their better-off peers has not narrowed over the last five years, leaving disadvantaged pupils 18 months behind their peers when taking their GCSEs. 

Larger class sizes could also create challenges for teachers trying to give pupils individual support and attention as they return to school. 

Shadow education secretary Kate Green said: “The Conservatives have turned back the clock on education, reversing 20 years of progress to reduce class sizes and ensure every child gets the dedicated teacher attention they need. 

“Under the Conservatives, the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their peers had not narrowed for five years, even before the pandemic. These Conservative choices are holding back children’s education.”

Labour has launched a new Bright Future Taskforce to deliver a long-term strategy for children’s recovery and ensure every child has the chance to fulfil their potential.

National Education Union (NEU) joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: “Class sizes have risen fastest in schools that teach the most deprived pupils. The historic practice of teaching poorer pupils in slightly smaller classes has ceased over the last five years due to funding cuts.”

Dr Bousted warned that this has a detrimental impact on education, adding that it was clear that with such large numbers in any one class, teachers and support staff have a “far harder job” in ensuring every child gets the attention they need. 

She said: “Much of this problem has been caused by the failure of government to address the shortfall in school places that has been an issue for many years. 

“The lack of sufficient school and college funding has exacerbated this problem, with many schools having to cut the number of staff to balance the books.”

Dr Bousted called on the government to address the problem so every child gets the best education they possibly can.