PLANS for an extension at Bournemouth School have been put forward as part of its efforts to increase capacity by almost 50 per cent over the next nine years.

The grammar school was awarded £3.9 million by the Department for Education at the end of last year to facilitate the accommodation of 60 more boys per year.

And an application has now been submitted for a new-three storey building which will include classrooms and dining facilities.

Should the proposals be approved by BCP Council planning officers, the extension would be built behind the western end of the main East Way building.

“Bournemouth School is a highly successful academy which has identified a need to expand and provide enhanced facilities for pupils,” a statement submitted with the application says.

“This will cater for the proposed increase in student numbers from the current level of 1,090 to 1,497 planned between 2019 and 2028.”

The extension would accommodate new classrooms, new dining facilities, a sixth form centre and office space.

New parking provision is also included in the plans with the proposed use of the neighbouring Sir David English Centre.

“The scheme has evolved following a careful assessment of the needs of the school and the context of the highly constrained site,” the statement adds.

“The proposals have been designed to fully respect the character and appearance of the existing buildings, with consideration of the original main building.”

Funding for the extension was provided as part of the government Selective Schools’ Expansion Fund announced in December.

The school was one of 16 to be awarded a share of a £49.3 million pot.

Speaking at the time, head teacher Dr Dorian Lewis said the funding would enable it to provide a “modern, fit-for-purpose” teaching environment.

Council planning officers will consider the application in the coming weeks.