Plans for the expansion of Joyce Frankland Academy in Newport will be unveiled at a public exhibition next week.

Parents and residents will be able to view proposals which would see a new teaching block built, providing nine new classrooms and creating 145 new places.

Boards illustrating the project, which is being funded by Essex County Council, will be on show at the school on Wednesday, December 7, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.

Council officers and the design and build team will be on hand to discuss the proposals, and comment forms will be available so people’s views can be considered before a formal planning application is submitted.

Under the plans, Joyce Frankland would take its first intake of additional pupils in September 2017, with the expansion completed by April 2018 – subject to planning permission.

Councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education, said: “We continue to be able to offer the vast majority of pupils a place at one of their parents’ preferred schools and our ongoing investment is vital in maintaining that excellent record.

“We are planning to create thousands of new school spaces across Essex in the coming years to meet demand and ensure the county’s pupils receive the best possible education.

“Projects such as this one at Joyce Frankland Academy are crucial in enabling us to achieve that, and I would encourage parents and residents to have their say before our plans are submitted.”

Anyone unable to attend the exhibition can view the plans and complete the questionnaire online at www.essexinsight.org.uk (under surveys and consultations – open consultations) up until the end of the consultation period on Monday, December 12.