Failureto curbclass sizesstilla problem

Latest figures show that the number of larger class sizes in the Stirling area has changed very little over the last five years despite Scottish Government targets.

The total number of classes in Stirling schools which have 30 pupils or more is 23 — exactly the same as in 2013 and 2016.

In 2014 and 2015, the number of classes of 30 or more even rose to 25.

Last year, there were 13 classes of 30 pupils, six of 31, two of 32, and two of 33.

In 2016, one class had 35 pupils — however last year the highest number of pupils in any one class was 33.

Under The Education (Lower Class Sizes) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2010 maximum class sizes for P1 is up to 25 pupils, P2 and P3 up to 30 pupils and in P4-7 up to 33 pupils.

The regulations allow for certain exceptions such as pupils who join a class after the end of a placing round and Additional Support Needs pupils who only join a class for part of the time.

Composite classes throughout primary school education have a class size maximum target of 25.

At a meeting of Stirling Council last Thursday, Tory education spokesperson Councillor Bryan Flannagan said: “This was a key pledge of the SNP but from the figures we can see it has been paid lip service to.

“I’m an educator and I can tell you that classes of more than 30 can be challenging.”

Education convener Councillor Susan McGill said, however: “I can assure you all pupils are working very hard. Stirling has a good track record in education.

“Recruitment is an issue but we are working hard on that and have been quite successful.”