Manchester has dozens of schools which are trying to teach more pupils than they should really have, according to government figures.
So as parents anxiously await National Offer Day later this month when they will find out the primary school where their child has been offered a place in reception, we’ve taken a look at the issue of overcrowding in Manchester’s schools.
Figures from the Department for Education show that in 2021-22 there were 37 schools in Manchester which either were at capacity or had more pupils on roll than the number of places available. Of those, 25 were primary schools with the other dozen being secondaries.
Across England, 17% of primary schools were full or over capacity while 23% of secondary schools, including sixth forms, were at or above capacity last year.
The Education Policy Institute said schools being over capacity puts additional demands on teachers. The Government said 1.2 million school places have been created since 2010, with more in the pipeline.
These are the nine primary schools in Manchester which were most over capacity in the 2021-22 academic year.
1. St Clement’s CofE Primary School
St Clement’s CofE Primary School in Higher Openshaw is Manchester’s most overcrowded primary school, with 210 pupils and 194 places in 2021-22. This meant it was 8.2% over capacity. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
2. Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Baguley had 220 pupils on roll and 207 places, putting it 6.3% over capacity. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
3. St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School
St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School in Wythenshawe had 196 places but 208 pupils on roll in 2021-22, putting it 6.1% over capacity. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
4. St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School
St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Northern Moor was 5.2% over capacity, with 221 pupils and 210 places. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps