Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – New education data reveals several Havering primary schools are operating over capacity, raising concerns about classroom sizes and local infrastructure planning.
Nine primary schools in the borough were overcrowded between 2023 and 2024, according to data from the Department for Education.
One student exceeds the capacity for some of these, while up to thirteen students exceed it for others.
The two schools with the highest overcrowding were Nelmes Primary School in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, and Clockhouse Primary School in Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row.
Although Clockhouse Primary School can accommodate 630 students, 643 are currently enrolled.
Nelmes Primary School in Wingletye Lane had 433 enrolled pupils despite having 420 school spots, which was 13 more than the school could accommodate.
Ten more spots were made available to kids at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, increasing their enrollment from 413 to 423.
The number of children in Havering between the ages of 0 and 4 has significantly increased, with a 52% increase in births between 2002 and 2016. There is increasing pressure on school spots, as evidenced by the 13% increase in in-year primary school applications in 2023–2024.
Havering Council is carrying out the Phase 5 of its school expansion program in order to meet this demand.
A two-form entry primary school with space for 420 students and extra services for kids with special education needs, Emmanuel Community School Beam Park is scheduled to open in September 2025.
Hacton Primary School, located on Plumpton Avenue in Hornchurch, was determined to be the next most overcrowded primary school.
To predict future demand for school spots, the council employs sophisticated forecasting models based on housing developments, migration trends, and birth rates. Targeting expansions where they are most needed is ensured by this data-driven strategy.
New school infrastructure is being funded by property developers’ Section 106 contributions in places like Beam Park and Waterloo Road that are impacted by urban regeneration initiatives.
According to data from the Department of Education, 588 classroom spots were overcrowded to accommodate 596 students.
The London Road, Romford-based Crowlands Primary School has seven more pupils than it could accommodate.
Elm Park Primary School in South End Road had three more students than it could accommodate, while St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in St. Marys Lane, Upminster, was four spots over capacity.
La Salette Catholic Primary School on Dunedin Road in Rainham and Drapers’ Brookside Infant School on Dagnam Park Drive in Harold Hill were both overcrowded by one student each.
What measures are being taken to address the overcapacity issue in Havering primary schools?
Phase 5 of Havering Council’s school expansion program includes a £66 million investment proposal. The increasing demand for school spots in the borough, including primary schools, will be satisfied with the help of this financing.
To handle growing student populations, both temporary and permanent extensions will be made to current elementary schools. This strategy makes it possible to adapt to changing demand.
In certain schools, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) units receive more cash. This includes the proposals to build a 300-seat special school on Balgores Lane and increase capacity at Lime Academy Forest Approach.
By offering specialized help for kids with exceptional needs, these initiatives would indirectly ease the burden on conventional primary schools.