Dozens of schools across the north-east are bursting at the seams.
New figures have revealed the level of overcrowding at primary and secondary schools, with almost 30 operating at more than 100% capacity.
A total of 26 schools are over-subscribed, and the newly-built Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk, is expected to hit its 700-pupil limit over the next three to four years.
Aberdeenshire Council’s latest school roll figures have been published ahead of today’s Garioch and Buchan area committees.
Last night councillors said the issue was a result of a population boom across the region.
But co-leader and head of education committee, Alison Evison, stressed there was an “ambitious school estate programme” planned to tackle the problem.
She added: “The challenges with pupil numbers are clear, but the work is being done to develop suitable learning and teaching environments for all Aberdeenshire pupils.”
The authority is already attempting to ease the pressure by expanding Kemnay Academy and building new schools in Inverurie and Turriff.
In Drumoak, Kintore, Ellon, Alford and Laurencekirk youngsters are already settled in their new multi-million pound classrooms.
But according to the figures – which only take into account the main buildings – Mearns Academy is expected to exceed its capacity within the next six years.
Premnay Primary School, though within its working capacity and served by temporary huts, is listed as being 232% above capacity with 44 youngsters attending the 19-pupil facility.
Similarly, Crathes – which also has space for 19 pupils – is operating at 168% capacity with 32 pupils, which is expected to rise to 47 by 2022.
In Stonehaven, Dunnottar Primary currently has 212 pupils, meaning it is at 109% of its capacity.
Stuartfield Primary, which has space for between 72 and 93 children, is currently at 126% capacity and is expected to rise to 130 students by 2022.
Burnhaven School, near Peterhead currently has 79 pupils, but officially there is only space for between 20 and 47, although it is still within its working capacity.
Other schools operating over 100% include Clerkhill, Mintlaw, St Andrew’s, Aboyne, Midmar, Towie, Hatton of Fintray, Newmachar and Auchenblae.
Councillor, George Carr said he would question the figures for Mearns Academy, but stressed there was room on the site for future expansion, as more housing is planned for the Laurencekirk area in the coming years.
Councillor Fergus Hood, chairman of the Garioch area committee said there had been an influx of people moving to the Kintore and Inverurie area in recent years.
“I believe the population of the Garioch area has gone up by 25% in five or so years or more,” he said.
“That is why we are having pressure on the schools, the population increased at a rapid rate.
“There are still schools with portacabins, the ones that have been replaced are the ones that had the most severe pressure if you like.”
East Garioch councillor Martin Ford said: “School rolls have been on a rising trend for many years in areas of Aberdeenshire close to Aberdeen city, reflecting on-going house-building and an increasing population.
“Projections indicate pupil numbers are expected to continue to rise in some schools. How much impact the changed economic situation will have on the rate of increase remains to be seen, but will need to be taken into account in planning the future capacity of the school estate.”
Garioch councillors last night said the likes of the replacement Inverurie Market Place and new Midmill and Kinellar primaries would help take the “pressure” off of local schools.
Eleven schools in the region alone are listed as above 100% capacity.
Elsewhere the new Drumoak Primary recently opened, and Turriff’s Markethill School is expected to welcome pupils next year.
Though a number of schools in Peterhead have reached or will surpass capacity soon, the council has launched plans to replace the town’s academy with a new community campus in the next five years.
As part of the £63million scheme two new primary schools could be built in the town.
The education service is also consulting on a rezoning of the Mintlaw school networks, including Stuartfield which is already operating at 126% capacity. The school roll in the village has now been capped.
The ball is also rolling on a project to expand Aboyne Primary School and the £54million Inverurie Community Campus.