PLANS to expand Melksham Oak community School from 1,260 to 1,500 pupils were disclosed last week.

It is likely to submit plans to accommodate a further 240 pupils by September 2021.

The plans include a new building on disused land in the school grounds to house 10 classrooms, science laboratories, a canteen, a sixth form common and study area, and changing rooms.

The secondary school says it needs to expand to accommodate housing growth in the area and a growing primary school population.

The school shared estimated figures revealing it will be over-capacity by 15 pupils by 2020 rising to120 students in 2021.

By 2028, the school estimates there will be 1,487 children needing a place at Melksham Oak, which has a capacity of 1,260 – a shortfall of 227.

A formal planning application is expected to be made later in the year. If the plans are given the go-ahead, the school expects the new facilities to be ready by June 2021 in time for the new school year.