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Introduce a legal maximum class size of 24 pupils in primary schools in England

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)

Relevant Departments

Tagged with

Children ~ England ~ Ensure ~ learning ~ Primary ~ Primary schools ~ Schools ~ schools in england ~ Size ~ Teachers ~ Wellbeing ~ Years

Petition Action

Introduce a legal maximum class size of 24 pupils in primary schools in England

Petition Details

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

Additional Information

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.


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