The number of secondary school pupils is set to increase by 20 per cent during the next 10 years, according to the latest statistics.

The show the secondary school population will rise to 3.3 million by 2024 - the highest total for more than 20 years.

The increase is due to a rise in the birth rate since 2002 which is currently working its way through the primary sector. Overall pupil numbers will jump by 13 per cent to 8.2 million over the same period.

The rise will pile more pressure on exam boards with more pupils taking GCSEs and A-levels - and create demand for extra school places.

However, the birth rate has been dropping off since 2013 which will eventually relieve the pressure for more primary school places.