Some children only flourish in classes of up to 10; others are bored by very small classes. To the surprise of many parents, class sizes in some academically excellent schools may not be significantly smaller than those in state schools - depending on the children (age and ability), the subject and the level at which it is being taught. It is easier to imagine a successful class of 25 where geography is being taught to 11-year-olds of comparable ability than, say, remedial reading to 7-year olds or an A-level music class.