SEVERAL schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are full or over capacity according to the first data of its kind to be published since the pandemic.

In the BCP area, 7,544 pupils in the area were affected by overcrowded schools last year, and among around 880,000 nationwide, according to data released by the Department of Education for the academic year 2020/2021.

A school is 'overcrowded' or in excess of capacity when the number of pupils enrolled is greater than the number of places.

Fourteen schools in the BCP area including four secondary schools or sixth form colleges, were deemed overcrowded.

In 2018-19, the most recent comparable year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions – there were no overcrowded secondary schools.

In Bournemouth, the busiest school was Avonwood Academy, which had 420 school places but 570 children on its roll – meaning it was 36 per cent over capacity.

The Association of School and College Leaders said a record rate of overcrowded schools nationally is being driven by increased demand for secondary places, compounded by "perceptions linked to Ofsted reports".

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) said overcrowding increases the average class size – placing additional demands on teachers – and has implications for admissions.

Head of analysis at EPI Jon Andrews said the number of pupils attending primary schools peaked in 2019 and is expected to continue to decline, but this could impact funding which is determined on a per-pupil basis.

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, 10 primary schools were deemed at overcapacity, with the majority under capacity. 

A Department of Education spokeswoman said: “The vast majority of pupils will be offered a place at one of their preferred schools this coming year.

"Pupils are also now more likely to have a place at a good school now – with 87% of schools [Ofsted] rated good or outstanding now compared to 68% in 2010.”

Listed: Overcrowded secondary schools and 6th forms in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Here is a list of secondary schools and sixth forms at overcapacity in the BCP area.

The number of excess pupils and the percentage the school is at overcapacity is included in brackets.​

  1. Bournemouth School for Girls (42 pupils, 3.64 per cent)
  2. Highcliffe School (52 pupils, 3.55 per cent)
  3. Poole High School (49 pupils, 2.61 per cent)
  4. St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School (41 pupils, 2.11 per cent)

 

Listed: Overcrowded primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Here is a list of primary schools at overcapacity in the BCP area.

The number of excess pupils and the percentage the school is at overcapacity is included in brackets.

  1. Avonwood Academy (150 pupils, 35.71 per cent)
  2. Mudeford Junior School (26 pupils, 10.92 per cent)
  3. Christchurch Junior School (19 pupils, 3.95 per cent)
  4. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Christchurch (8, 3.82 per cent)
  5. Highcliffe St Mark Primary School (24, 3.80 per cent)
  6. Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School (16, 3.80 per cent)
  7. The Grange Community Primary School (5, 1.59 per cent)
  8. King's Park Academy (17, 2.69 per cent)
  9. St Luke's Church of England Primary School (9, 2.14 per cent)
  10. St Katharine's Church of England Primary School (1, 0.21 per cent)