School places

Academies and maintained schools: what do we know?

A look at the evidence on how academies perform compared to local authority schools.

Primary class sizes in England and Wales

The number of infants in classes of 31 or more in Wales has increased by 18% since 2013. In England it has increased by 32% over the same time.

1.8m more pupils in good or outstanding schools

Schools’ Ofsted performance is improving and more pupils are in schools rated good or outstanding by its inspectors.

Class sizes under the Conservatives

Average class sizes in English primary schools are up since 2010, although secondary school classes are very slightly smaller.

Most, but not all, free schools help meet demand for school places

In areas that already have enough places, free schools haven’t been running long enough to say whether they push standards up or down.

School spending: up or down?

As teachers walk out, we investigate whether the schools budget is being cut or not.

What's happening to secondary school places?

Concerns have been raised about the ability of local authorities to cope with a predicted 20% rise in secondary pupil numbers over the next decade.

Seven in ten free schools are in areas needing more school places

The majority of free schools are in areas expected to need more places. Many of them won't open with full capacity though.

What impact does immigration have on school places? 

It's difficult to single out the effects of immigration.

School places: are we running out?

A briefing on school places.

How 'good' are new primary school places?

With predictions out last week that the number of school pupils will reach over 8 million by 2023, confusing figures have been reported on whether new places are up to standard.

School places: more money and better results?

In the midst of the row over free school funding, we take a look at some of the claims being made.