RYEDALE School in Nawton is seeking to expand in order to accommodate a projected increase in pupils.

The school, on Gale Lane, has given notice that they are applying for planning permission to build a 921 sq. metre two-storey extension to the main school block, which will contain an additional nine classrooms, as well as more parking spaces and creation of a new footpath.

They will also replace a 130 sq. metre prefabricated unit which houses two classrooms.

In a statement the school forecasts “a rise to approximately 700 students by 2020-25”. It currently has just under 600 pupils.

It adds: “To accommodate the increase in student numbers it will be necessary to expand the existing facilities to provide additional classrooms.”

According to the statement, the new classrooms will be arranged as a block of eight rooms plus one in a ground floor linking structure. They will be the main focus of Humanities teaching.

This will allow other internalalterations in the school to enable teaching departments to be “consolidated and grouped together by subject instead of being dispersed across the campus, thus assisting the staff and improving the organisation and efficiency of the school.”

The statement adds that “the extension is carefully positioned to still allow existing games courts to the north whilst not impinging upon existing athletics and playing pitches to the south.

“At present all of the grassed sports pitches and run-off areas are well away from the school buildings and the extension would not encroach onto or harm these areas.”

Ryedale School is a mixed secondary school for 11-16 year olds serving the primary schools of Ampleforth, Helmsley, Nawton, Kirkbymoorside, Gillamoor, Sinnington, Hovingham and Chop Gate. It was rated Outstanding as part of its last Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Members of the public can view the plans in the planning department of Ryedale House, Malton. The plans are also available online at northyorks.gov.uk.