The capacity of a school is the number of pupil places available. The net capacity is intended to provide a single, robust and consistent method of assessing the capacity of schools.
Guidance
The guidance document 'Assessing the Net Capacity of Schools' (ref. DfES/0739/2001 REV) is available here as a PDF document (454kb). This document describes the 'net capacity assessment method' which replaces all previous methods of assessing the capacity of maintained mainstream schools in England. The guidance explains why the new method has been introduced, how it works, and what needs to be measured. It gives examples of completed net capacity assessment forms for both primary and secondary schools. Working versions of these examples are also available to download (see below).
Availability of Net Capacity information
Analysis of net capacity data received from authorities in 2002 and asset management data received in 2003 is available in the publication ‘Data Analysis 2004’.
If you wish to see a copy of the net capacity assessment for a particular school you should contact your local authority to ensure that you get the most up-to-date version.
Assessment Forms
Blank versions of the forms for primary schools (including middle deemed primary) and secondary schools (including middle deemed secondary) are available here as Excel files:
A technical note gives information on some common problems encountered when using the assessment forms. Computer networks commonly incorporate 'firewalls', intended to protect against viruses, which may prevent downloading these Excel files. Any problems or queries should be referred to nick.mayer@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Example Assessments
The 3 example net capacity assessments shown in the guidance are available in full here as working Excel spreadsheets:
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the relevant category below to see answers to frequently asked questions:
