The problem with large schools...

It is often said that small close knit schools are better for children to attend, not least because of the better discipline they offer.

However, an article in BBC News, recently showed Government Ministers rejecting this claim. When we say big schools, we are referring to around 1500-2000 pupils. Nearly one in every seven pupils - 488,900 - goes to a school of more than 1,500, according to government figures highlighted by the Conservatives. A government spokesman for DCFS said UK evidence indicated achievement could increase with school size up to a certain point. The idea is that large schools can be split into smaller units, while still benefiting from the enhanced facilities that many larger schools have. "The assertion that larger schools mean lower standards of behaviour is not supported by Ofsted inspection evidence."

The Conservatives, on the other hand, still hold that the worst discipline problems are found in larger schools. Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove said: "In America, cities like New York and Chicago have significantly improved behaviour and standards by encouraging smaller schools where it is easier to foster respect and the head teacher is able to know the name of every pupil. "

Schools Minister Lord Adonis maintains that schools have increased in size because parents and children want to go to them. He thinks that the Conservatives would face a backlash if they tried to reduce school sizes, stopping children from attending the schools they want to.

An interesting dilemma because although the automatic reaction would probably be to assume small schools would be best. Research in the UK seems to show that this may not always be the case, as larger schools can still be split into smaller units while retaining the sporting and technology facilities of a large school.