Make class sizes of 20 students law in practical lessons.

Current union guidance states that class sizes in practical subjects should not exceed 20 pupils. This recommendation is not arbitrary; it is supported by the Department for Education, the Design and Technology Association, and British Standard BS 4163:2021, all of which recognise 20 pupils as the safe benchmark for practical teaching environments. Beyond safety and pedagogy, we must also consider the broader implications: The increasing workload placed on teachers to plan and develop resources to manage these oversized classes. The mounting stress and impact on teacher wellbeing to manage and try to keep large class sizes safe during practical tasks and the fear of an accident and being held responsible. The recruitment crisis in practical subjects—a field already facing shortages. These large classes and dangerous situations are adding to the practical lesson teachers leaving the profession.