Posted on 15/01/2016 by David Owen

New analysis shows schools being forced to exceed statutory limit of 30 to meet demand, with Labour blaming situation on Tory ‘fixation’ with free schools

More than half a million children are being taught in “super-size” classes of more than 30 pupils as overstretched primary schools struggle to cope with the surge in demand for places, according to a new analysis of government figures.

As parents prepare for Friday’s deadline in applying for a primary place for children due to start school in September, research suggests many will face disappointment when it comes to national offer day next April.

The shadow education secretary, Lucy Powell, said the system for planning new school places was broken and blamed the government’s focus on free schools for making it harder to ensure there were enough places in areas of high demand.

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/15/primary-schools-oversize-classes-claims-labour