The latest data from the Department for Education revealed that around 18 per cent of all state schools in England were at or more than capacity in 2023/24.
Nearly a quarter of the country’s secondary schools were at or over capacity, while 16 per cent of primary schools were at or in excess of capacity.
In Croydon, six of the primary schools are at capacity or over.
Four of the secondary schools in Croydon are overcapacity.
Oasis Academy Ryelands is the most overcrowded of the primary schools listed.
It has space for 420 pupils, but currently 442 are enrolled.
This puts the school at five per cent over capacity.
St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School is also facing overcrowding.
It has 219 students enrolled, despite having space for only 210.
That’s around four per cent over capacity.
Aerodrome Primary Academy is operating at just under four per cent over capacity.
There are 436 pupils currently on roll, even though the school is designed to accommodate 420.
Beaumont Primary School is also over capacity, with 217 students enrolled there when there is only space for 210 students.
Park Hill Junior School is 2.5 per cent overcrowded with 369 students in a school with 360 spaces.
Finally, Fairchildes Primary School Junior School is just over two per cent overcrowded.
A school might become overcapacity if more families move into the area or if more students apply than expected.
While this may seem like a problem, it can actually be a sign of the school’s popularity and good reputation.
To handle the extra students, schools often adjust schedules, hire more staff, or expand their facilities, ensuring that education standards remain high.
