Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tories warn of discipline problems in big schools

Tim Ross
Wednesday 02 January 2008 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The number of children being taught in schools with at least 2,000 pupils has more than trebled since Labour came to power, according to new figures.

The Conservatives, who obtained the details from government records, warned that larger schools faced the worst problems with discipline.

In 1997, 12,650 pupils in England were being educated in these super-sized secondary schools but by last year the figure had risen to 47,540.

The Conservative education spokesman, Michael Gove said: "In America, cities such as New York and Chicago have significantly improved behaviour and standards by encouraging smaller schools where it is easier to foster respect."

The figures, from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, showed that nearly one in seven secondary school pupils is taught in a school of more than 1,500. The Tories said this represented an extra 200,000 pupils in schools with at least 1,500 children since 1997.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in