Minimum class size in schools: FOI release

Information requested

In your request, you asked for:

Can a S3 class run with only 2 students?
— If so, under what conditions?

Can a S4 class run with only 3 students?
— If so, under what conditions?

Response

I enclose a copy of the information you requested.

In Scotland there is no statutory minimum class size.

You may wish to note that statutory responsibility for the delivery of education in Scotland sits with local authorities – as set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Local authorities are independent corporate bodies with their own powers and responsibilities and are separate from the Scottish Government.

As statutory responsibility for the delivery of education sits with each local authority it is for them, working with head teachers and schools and taking into account the needs of learners and local circumstances, to determine whether it is viable for a class to run under such scenarios.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.