Class Sizes in Primary and Secondary Schools

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) for primary and secondary schools, what are the current median and mean numbers of students in a class as defined by the grouping of students headed by a form teacher; and (b) what are the median and mean class sizes for remedial classes across primary and secondary schools respectively.

In 2016, the average form class sizes in primary and secondary schools are 33 and 34 respectively. The median form class sizes in primary and secondary schools are 32 and 36 respectively. MOE does not track the size of remedial classes in primary and secondary schools.

MOE provides schools with resources based on student and programme needs. Schools have the flexibility to deploy teachers in a targeted manner so that learning is more effective. Hence, even though form class sizes have generally remained above 30 across the levels, schools group students into smaller teaching class sizes based on learning needs or programme considerations. For instance, levelling up programmes, such as the Learning Support Programme for lower primary students, are conducted in pull-out classes of eight to 10, while the School-based Dyslexia Remediation programme is conducted in classes of four to six students. At secondary level, coursework subjects requiring closer teacher supervision like Design and Technology are conducted in classes of 20. Due to subject-based banding and the desire to offer a range of elective subjects to students, it is common to have teaching class sizes below 40.