The bar chart compares the average class size of primary schools (ages 5-10) and lower secondary schools (ages 13-16) in six countries, as well as the world average, in 2006.
Overall, South Korea had the largest average class sizes at both educational levels, whereas Iceland recorded the smallest figures. In most countries, lower secondary classes were either larger than or similar in size to primary classes, although the opposite trend was seen in the UK, Denmark and the world average.
In primary education, South Korea had the highest average class size, at about 34 students, followed by Japan with approximately 27 students. The world average stood at around 26 students. By contrast, Mexico and Denmark had similar class sizes of about 21 students, while the UK had slightly more, at 23. Iceland had the smallest primary classes, with only around 15 students.
For lower secondary schools, South Korea remained the highest, with roughly 36 students per class. Japan and Mexico followed, both recording about 31 students. The UK and Denmark had smaller class sizes of around 22 and 19 students respectively. Iceland again had the lowest figure, at approximately 17 students, while the world average was about 24 students.