Smaller classes could boost reading

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The study by London University academics suggested that 12-year-olds in the first year of secondary school could also potentially benefit from small class sizes.

But despite evidence that smaller groups yield results, there has been an increase in "whole class" teaching, which was traditionally associated with children learning by "rote", the report said.

The findings followed a row over suggestions by Schools Minister Jim Knight that classes of up to 70 were "perfectly acceptable".

The research was conducted as part of the Cambridge-based Primary Review, the biggest inquiry into primary education in England for 40 years.

Academics at the Institute of Education and King's College London examined the impact of different ways of organising pupils into teaching groups.

The study said: "The age of the pupil is important when considering class size effects.

"There is a clear case for small class sizes in the reception year, but research also shows where resources could be further targeted.

"That is, on achieving classes smaller than 25 for those children with most ground to make up in literacy. Another important implication is to maintain smaller classes from one year to the next where possible."

They said schools should consider grouping children within their classes and allowing them to interact with each other more in lessons.