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 Sutton, six of the 15 secondary schools are at capacity or over, and the new Sutton Grammar School is the most overcrowded of the schools listed.
It has space for 935 pupils, but currently, 1,038 are on the roll.
This puts the school at 11 per cent over capacity.
Glenthorne High School is also facing overcrowding.
It has 1,752 students enrolled, despite having space for only 1,644.
That’s around seven per cent over capacity.
Wallington High School is operating at five per cent over capacity.
There are 1,548 pupils currently on the roll, even though the school is designed to accommodate 1,470.
Carshalton Boys Sports College is in a similar position.
It has space for 1,420 pupils, but currently 1,494 are enrolled – making it five per cent over capacity.
Cheam High School is also slightly over capacity.
It has 2,116 pupils enrolled, just 36 more than its official capacity of 2,080.
That’s just under two per cent above its limit.
Nonsuch High School for Girls is only marginally overcrowded.
It has space for 1,500 pupils but currently has 1,520 on roll.
This means the school is just one per cent over capacity.
A school may become overcapacity if more families move into the area or if more students apply than expected.
While this might seem like a problem, a school being over capacity isn’t necessarily bad.
In some cases, it can reflect the school’s popularity or its ability to attract more students, which may suggest that the quality of education is being recognised.
Schools can find ways to handle the extra students, like adjusting timetables, hiring more teachers, or expanding buildings, so that students still get a good experience.
