The latest data from the Department of Education revealed that about 18 percent of all state schools in England had or more than their capacity in 2023/24.
Almost a quarter of the country’s secondary schools had capacity for or around capacity, while 16 percent of primary schools were in excessive capacity.
In Sutton, six of the 15 secondary schools are in capacity or, and the new Sutton Grammar School is the most crowded in the listed schools.
It has space for 935 students, but currently 1,038 are in the roll.
This puts school 11 percent on capacity.
Glensorne High School also faces overcrowding.
It has 1,752 students enrolled, despite having space for only 1,644.
That is about seven percent of capacity.
Wallington High School is operating with five percent on capacity.
There are 1,548 current students in the roll, just although the school is designed for housing 1,470.
Carshalton Boys Sports College is in a similar position.
It has space for 1,420 students, but currently 1,494 are registered, which makes it five percent of the capacity.
Cheam High School is also slightly capacity.
It has 2,116 registered students, only 36 more than its official capacity of 2,080.
That is just under two percent above its limit.
Nensuch high school for girls is only marginally overcrowded.
It has space for 1,500 students, but currently has 1,520 in roll.
This means that school is just one percent of capacity.
A school can become overcapacity if more families move to the area or if more students request what is expected.
While this may seem like a problem, a school is about capacity is not necessarily Bath.
In some cases, it may reflect the popularity of the school or its ability to attention to more students, which can suggest that the quality of education is recognized.
Schools can find ways to manage additional students, such as adjusting schedules, hiring more teachers or expanding buildings, so that students still get a good experience.
