Class sizes in practical subjects in post-primary schools

The Department of Education (the department) provides guidance on class sizes in practical subjects for post primary schools detailed in 2004/05 Class sizes in practical subjects in post primary schools PDF 118 KB summarised below.

Under Regulation 15 of the Secondary School (Grant Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973

• A practical subject includes Science,Technology and Design, Home Economics, Art and Design, Physical Education and Music.
• The number of pupils under instruction by one teacher should not exceed 20 for a class in a practical subject except where approved by the department.

The department is prepared to approve class sizes up to maximum numbers (shown in the table below) where:

• a class of pupils is under instruction in a practical subject and are not involved in practical activities;
• the activities are unlikely to present any risk to the health and safety of the pupils in the class; and

classrooms meet the required standards as set out in paragraph 6 of Circular 2004/05-Class sizes in practical subjects in post primary schools PDF 118 KB.