One in 9 pupils in Enfield are in class sizes over 30 after a decade of Conservative Government

One in 9 pupils in Enfield are in class sizes over 30 after a decade of Conservative Government

As children have returned to their classrooms this week, new analysis from Labour shows that the number of pupils in class sizes over 30 has soared under the Conservatives, to one in 9 pupils in Enfield.

Labour analysis shows that since 2010, the number of pupils in classes over 30 in Enfield has increased by 3395. 

This picture is reflected nationally, with Labour analysis of House of Commons data, showing that since 2010:

·       The number of secondary pupils in classes of 31 or more has risen from one in ten to almost one in seven pupils

·       The number of primary pupils in classes of 31 or more has risen from one in nine to one in eight pupils

Coinciding with this increase in class sizes the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their better off peers has not narrowed during the last five years of Conservative Government. In Enfield disadvantaged pupils are 15 months of learning behind their peers. 

This has worsened during the pandemic with evidence suggesting that children in families that are struggling financially have fallen further behind their peers during national lockdowns.

To tackle these inequalities, 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.

Feryal Clark MP said:

“Over the last decade the Conservatives have made the wrong choices for children in Enfield North, overseeing an increase in class sizes and failing to tackle the gap in learning which is holding children back.  

“Labour has launched our Bright Future Taskforce to tackle the damage done by these policies ensuring every child can recover from the pandemic and achieve their potential.”

ENDS