Submitted by Francesca Gilbert on Saturday 7th March 2026
Published on Wednesday 8th April 2026
Current status: Open
Open until: Thursday 8th October 2026
Current Signatures: 36
(count is updated approximately hourly)
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
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.
If you want to sign this petition (as opposed to merely discuss it), you need to do that on the government's e-Petitions website.
216.73.217.179 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:31:17 +0100