Number of secondary school pupils to rise by 20 per cent in next 10 years

The increase is due to a rise in the birth rate since 2002 which is currently working its way through the primary sector

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.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “With a million more pupils in good or outstanding schools compared to 2010, it is clear that schools and councils are responding well to the challenge of increasing pupil numbers.”