Even though student enrolment has declined over the past two decades the pupil-teacher ratio has steadily improved. Compared to 1979/80, the provincial pupil-teacher ratio has changed from 19.0 to 14.8 in 1995/96. This means that in 1979/80 there were, on average, 19 students for every one teacher working at the school level. Last year there was one teacher for approximately every 15 students. The pupil-teacher ratio takes into account classroom teachers, librarians, guidance counsellors, vice-principals and principals, but does not include educators employed at the school board level.

When compared to the other provinces in Canada, our provincial pupil-teacher ratio is one of the lowest in the country. The latest national figures available (1994/95) show that relative to the number of students, Newfoundland and Labrador provides more teachers than any other province except Quebec. This low pupil-teacher ratio reflects Government's overall commitment to education. These extra teachers allow schools to offer a core program to students who must attend small schools.