Petitions/Introduce a legal maximum class size of 24 pupils in primary schools in England
StatusOngoing
Opened8 Apr 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

Pass legislation to limit all primary school classes in England to 24 pupils. This would help ensure teachers can manage classrooms effectively, that pupils get the support they need, and that inclusive practice for SEND children is realistic

Average primary classes in England are 26–27 pupils, with no legal limit for Years 3–6. Nearly 1 in 5 pupils have SEND. Smaller classes would improve learning, behaviour, and wellbeing, reduce teacher workload, increase teacher retention, and make inclusive classrooms possible. There are other countries with smaller classes which have better outcomes.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Samantha Niblett
1Samantha Niblett MP
South Derbyshire
18
Jacob Collier
2Jacob Collier MP
Burton and Uttoxeter
2
Catherine Atkinson
3Catherine Atkinson MP
Derby North
2
Daisy Cooper
4Daisy Cooper MP
St Albans
2
Barry Gardiner
5Barry Gardiner MP
Brent West
1
Pam Cox
6Pam Cox MP
Colchester
1
Sarah Russell
7Sarah Russell MP
Congleton
1
Baggy Shanker
8Baggy Shanker MP
Derby South
1
John Whitby
9John Whitby MP
Derbyshire Dales
1
Dr Rupa Huq
10Dr Rupa Huq MP
Ealing Central and Acton
1