Key Points:
- Nine primary schools in Havering exceeded capacity during the 2023–2024 academic year
- Clockhouse Primary School and Nelmes Primary School were the most over capacity, with 13 extra pupils each
- Over-enrolment ranged from just one to 13 students across affected schools
- Schools in Hornchurch, Romford, Upminster, and other areas were impacted
- Data was released by the Department for Education
- Officials have not yet announced any plans to address the overcrowding
New figures from the Department for Education have identified nine primary schools across Havering that were operating over their stated capacity during the 2023–2024 academic year.
Some schools exceeded their limits by just one pupil, while others, including Clockhouse Primary and Nelmes Primary, were forced to accommodate up to 13 more students than they were designed for.
Which Havering schools are the most overcrowded?
Clockhouse Primary School, located on Clockhouse Lane in Collier Row, topped the list. Despite having a capacity for 630 students, the school enrolled 643, exceeding its limit by 13 pupils.
Matching this figure, Nelmes Primary School on Wingletye Lane in Hornchurch also had 13 more pupils than its 420-place capacity, totalling 433 students.
These two schools represent the most over-enrolled institutions in the borough, according to the official figures.
What are the other schools operating above capacity?
The data also shows significant pressure at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Hornchurch Road. The school has a formal capacity of 413 students but admitted 423, placing it ten pupils over its limit.
Hacton Primary School on Plumpton Avenue in Hornchurch was found to be eight pupils above capacity, accommodating 596 students against a 588-place limit.
Crowlands Primary School on London Road in Romford exceeded its 611-student capacity by seven pupils.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School on St Mary’s Lane in Upminster went over by four pupils, and Elm Park Primary School on South End Road exceeded by three.
Two schools—Drapers’ Brookside Infant School on Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, and La Salette Catholic Primary School on Dunedin Road, Rainham—each had just one pupil more than their official limits.
What does this mean for local families and education planning?
The figures come amid ongoing concern from local parents and education campaigners over school place availability in East London. While no direct comment has yet been issued by the Department for Education regarding potential expansion or new school development, the data signals growing pressure on the borough’s educational infrastructure.
Overcrowded schools may face logistical challenges, including stretched resources, larger class sizes, and increased demands on teaching staff.
Is there any response from local or national education authorities?
The Department for Education has released the data but has not yet provided a statement on how it plans to tackle overcapacity in the borough. It remains unclear whether Havering Council or national government officials will propose additional funding, classroom expansions, or new schools to meet growing demand.
The report may prompt further discussions on long-term strategies to balance student numbers with school capacities in one of London’s rapidly growing boroughs.
