Council bosses have apologised after it emerged the wrong figures were used to authorise a public consultation.
Members of Aberdeenshire’s education, learning and leisure committee approved the move as part of efforts to reorganise Peterhead’s overcrowded schools.
But the report presented to members contained out-of-date statistics on school capacity levels.
The north-east town’s Buchanhaven Primary School, the largest in the area, was shown to be over its 442 limit, with the expected roll poised to rise to almost 500 in the next four years.
However, the local authority has now admitted this is not the case.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “Following the addition of two new classrooms at Buchanhaven Primary School, the school’s capacity for 20113 increased to 523.
“Although this figure was included in the report that was presented to the education, learning and leisure committee on Thursday August 28, the capacity figure for 2012 was also included and stated that Buchanhaven is currently over-capacity.
“This is not the case and all the relevant parties, including the school and parents, have been made aware of the oversight and the information updated on our website.
“We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.”
Last night education, learning and leisure chairwoman Isobel Davidson said the reshuffle remained crucially important for Peterhead primary pupils.
She said: “The public consultation is still necessary. There are still some schools that are overcrowded.
“The decision was made on the overall picture in Peterhead, not at one school.
“There have already been some informal consultations and people feel improvements can be made.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to get children into the schools that are best suited for them.”
Eight of the town’s 10 primary schools do not have the correct number of students for their size.
While some classrooms are bursting at the seams, others have empty desks.
Parents, teachers, pupils and the wider community are being consulted on a potential shake-up of catchment areas.
A public meeting will be held at Peterhead Academy on Thursday, October 2, as part of the process.