What is the optimal size of a school?
There is no optimal size for a school, however a viable school is one that is able to offer a broad curriculum and broad educational opportunities. It is important that all young people have access to a school which provides for their educational needs. Small schools often limit the opportunities for students to access and participate in a rich curriculum and all key learning areas. It is not possible to offer this without a substantial cohort of students. Australian research by Professor Brian Caldwell (2005) indicates that an appropriate and effective size is 300-400 students for a primary school and 400-800 students for a secondary school.
