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The number of children forced into primary school classes with more than 30 pupils has almost doubled since the Tories came to power.

Our investigation yesterday revealed how head teachers are desperately trying to balance the books due to the party’s savage cuts.

Today, analysis of official figures by Labour shows that the number of children at key stage one in lessons with more than 30 youngsters has soared by 91%.

In 2011 there were 43,130 pupils aged between five and seven in classes over 30, but the figure shot up to 82,358 this year.

The analysis also found every region except London has had an increase in the number of infants in classes that exceed this size.

(Image: Getty)

Labour Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: “These figures confirm the Tories’ failure to provide a high-quality education for all of our country’s children.

"This situation is totally unsustainable. If ministers really wanted to give every child the education they deserve, they wouldn’t pack so many five, six and seven-year-olds into classes this size.”

(Image: Philip Coburn/Daily Mirror)

Analysis found the West Midlands was the worst-affected region, with a 211% increase in pupils in classes of more than 30.

There were 3,982 primary school children in such classes there in 2011, but 12,400 this year.

It comes after heads told us they are putting pupils on shorter weeks of 4.5 days to save more cash.

Nick Gibb, Minister for School Standards, said: “The proportion of infant pupils in classes of over 30 has decreased in each of the last three years, from 6.2% in 2015 to 4.9% in 2018.

“The average primary class size has also seen little change and currently sits at 27.1, well below the statutory limit.”

He added: “We’re on track to create one million new school places this decade.”