ESL numbers up by 73%

Pupils who speak English as their first language are now in a minority in more than 1,300 primary schools.

The figure is up 73 per cent compared to a decade ago, but there are strong geographical variations. Inner London schools have highest numbers of children speaking English as a second language at 53%.

The findings follow concerns raised by head teachers that schools are struggling to cope with increasing numbers of children who need language support.

The figures were obtained this week by the Daily Telegraph under the Freedom of Information Act.