The average number of students per class in elementary schools in Seoul stands at 27-point-eight this year, down one-point-one student from a year ago.

The average was at 28-point-nine last year, and it was the first time the statistic fell to the 20-level.

This year's figure represents a decrease of about ten from 37-point-three in 1999.

The sharp decrease is attributed to the nation's low birth rate.

The average number of students per class in middle schools recorded 33-point-nine this year, down eight-tenths of one student from last year, with the figure in high schools marking 34-point-four.