How big are classes in England's schools?
The average primary school class in England had 26.1 pupils in 2025-26, and the average secondary class 22.6. Primary class sizes are down 4% on 2015-16.
Pupils per class taught by one teacher, 2025-26.
Pupils per class taught by one teacher, 2025-26.
Class sizes over time
What’s this?
The average number of pupils in a primary school class taught by one teacher in England, on census day in January.
What it cannot tell you: An average hides classes of 30 and above, and a class of 30 is not necessarily the best fit for every child.
What’s this?
The average number of pupils in a secondary school class taught by one teacher in England, on census day in January.
What it cannot tell you: An average hides large differences between subjects, with practical and sixth-form classes smaller.
Year by year
State-funded schools in England, taken on census day in January.
| Period | Average primary class size | Average secondary class size |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 26.1 | 22.6 |
| 2024-25 | 26.4 | 22.5 |
| 2023-24 | 26.6 | 22.4 |
| 2022-23 | 26.7 | 22.4 |
| 2021-22 | 26.6 | 22.3 |
| 2020-21 | 26.6 | 22.3 |
| 2019-20 | 27.0 | 22.0 |
| 2018-19 | 27.1 | 21.7 |
| 2017-18 | 27.1 | 21.2 |
| 2016-17 | 27.1 | 20.8 |
| 2015-16 | 27.1 | 20.4 |
Questions people ask
What is the average class size in the UK?
In England, 26.1 pupils in primary and 22.6 in secondary schools in 2025-26. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland publish their own figures.
What is the legal limit on class sizes?
In England, infant classes (reception to year 2) are limited to 30 pupils for one teacher, with a few exceptions. There is no legal limit for older pupils.
What does “average primary class size” measure?
The average number of pupils in a primary school class taught by one teacher in England, on census day in January. It was 26.1 (pupils per class) in 2025-26, down 2% on 2020-21. The highest we have is 27.1 (2016-17) and the lowest 26.1 (2025-26).
What does “average secondary class size” measure?
The average number of pupils in a secondary school class taught by one teacher in England, on census day in January. It was 22.6 (pupils per class) in 2025-26, up 2% on 2020-21. The highest we have is 22.6 (2025-26) and the lowest 20.4 (2015-16).
Sources: Department for Education, Explore education statistics. Updated every night. Each chart has a CSV and a Share button.
See also: School attendance · Spending on education