Band 8+: The graph below shows the average class size in six countries and compares it with the world average class size in 2006. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main points and give comparisons where relevant.

The bar chart compares the average class size in primary and lower secondary schools in six countries in 2006, together with the world average.

Overall, South Korea had the largest classes at both levels, while Iceland had the smallest. In most countries, lower secondary classes were slightly larger than primary ones, except in the UK and Denmark.

In South Korea, primary classes had about 34 students, rising to approximately 36 in lower secondary education. Japan and Mexico also recorded relatively large class sizes, with around 27 and 21 pupils respectively in primary school, increasing to just over 30 in lower secondary school in both countries. By contrast, class sizes in European countries were smaller. In the UK, primary classes averaged about 23 students, slightly higher than the 22 in lower secondary. Denmark showed a similar pattern, with roughly 21 pupils in primary and 19 in lower secondary education.

Iceland had the smallest classes overall, with about 15 students in primary and 17 in lower secondary, both below the world averages of around 26 and 24 respectively.