It is a legal requirement that infant classes (reception, years 1, 2 & 3) at Primary school should have no more than 30 pupils in each class. However there are some exceptions that allow infant classes to exceed 30. Should an exception apply and the school exceeds 30 pupils the school must take steps to ensure the class has no more than 30 pupils in the following academic year.
As a consequence of the infant class size limit, infant class size appeals have lower chances of success than junior and secondary school appeals. However statistics from the Department for Children Schools and Families advises that in 2006/07 18.4% of infant class size appeals were successful, so it is worthwhile making an appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel (IAP).
Please follow this link for information on admission appeal fees.
For more information please contact our Education Law Solicitor Samantha Hale on Colchester (01206) 835230 or email Education@fjg.co.uk. We also have offices in Chelmsford and Clacton in Essex.