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Net capacity assessment tool

A tool to measure net pupil capacity in schools, with guidance on the methodology.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
6 February 2024
Last updated:
8 July 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated the ‘Net capacity assessment (NCA) tool’.

  2. Updated ‘Net capacity assessment (NCA) guidance’.

  3. Updated ‘Net capacity assessment (NCA) tool’.

  4. Added 'Net capacity assessment (NCA) SEND tool'.

  5. We've improved the layout of the NCA tool, adding a new 'Key information' tab. There are no changes to the calculations or 'Room details' tab. We've updated the NCA guidance document to reference the tool's new layout.

  6. Updated the net capacity assessment (NCA) tool and guidance.

  7. Updated 'Net capacity assessment tool' and replaced 'Net capacity assessment tool: instructions' with 'Net capacity assessment guidance'.

  8. Updated 'Net capacity assessment tool'.

  9. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Net capacity assessment (NCA) tool

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 2.86 MB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternative.formats@education.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Net capacity assessment (NCA) SEND tool

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 2.15 MB

Net capacity assessment (NCA) guidance

PDF, 689 KB, 32 pages

Details

The net capacity assessment (NCA) tools are for use by:

  • schools and responsible bodies
  • local authorities
  • dioceses
  • building professionals

It helps them measure the number of pupil places available in a school. It can also help with education building projects.

The Department for Education (DfE) uses the assessment as the standard method to measure the number of pupil places available in any school.

The NCA tools are functional and ready to use to carry out assessments. They are not fully accessible to all users, however, because some cells and formulae are locked to prevent calculation errors. Unlocked and fully accessible versions of both tools are available on request for users of assistive technology. Email DfE.NCAPROGRAMME@education.gov.uk to request the other versions.

DfE has also published:

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