Consultation has started on an expansion which could see a Norfolk school take in almost 300 extra pupils.
The trust which runs Wymondham High Academy is asking parents and the wider community about plans which would see the number of pupils at the Folly Road school swell from 1,610 children to 1,900.
Enrich Learning Trust says the increase has been requested by Norfolk County Council, which has the responsibility for ensuring there are enough education places for the county's schoolchildren.
Wymondham High Academy (Image: Denise Bradley)
The council, run by Reform, is having to ensure there are extra spaces, at a time when Wymondham, which has already seen significant growth, is earmarked for 2,513 new homes by 2038.
In November last year, members of the county council's planning committee unanimously agreed proposals for a new two-storey block at the school.
The new block will include a three-court sports hall, four general classrooms, two food technology rooms, a music room, and rooms where graphics, information technology and computer science would be taught.
The new £14.4m extension, funded by the county council, will mean the school will be able to admit the extra pupils, increasing the number of entry forms from nine to 10.
The additional capacity is expected to allow the school's Year 7 admission number to increase gradually, phased in from September 2028.
Chris Smith (Image: Newsquest)
Chris Smith, head teacher at Wymondham High Academy, wrote to parents this week inviting them to join in with the consultation over the expansion, with people living nearby also urged to have their say.
He said: "Wymondham is growing and Norfolk County Council has asked us to provide more school places for local families.
"You may already have seen building work on the school site.
We are now formally consulting on the change that this building will make to the size of the school and we would like to hear your views."
Wendy Atkinson (Image: Norfolk County Council)
Wendy Atkinson, County Hall's cabinet member for children, families and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), said: “This proposed £14.4m investment in Wymondham High Academy is about making sure local children can access school places in their own community while improving facilities for current and future pupils.
“As Wymondham continues to grow, we must ensure our education infrastructure grows with it.
"This expansion represents the final phase of work at the school in response to approved housing growth in the town.
“We know residents will have questions about the scheme, so I would encourage people to take part in the consultation and share their views.
"By working together, we can ensure this investment delivers lasting benefits for the whole community.”
The consultation, at https://www.wymondhamhigh.co.uk/Consultation/ runs until 5pm on Friday, November 13.
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