A GRAMMAR school is set to get a new art studio and library as part of expansion plans to accommodate extra pupils.

Last year Colchester County High School for Girls was handed cash from the Department for Education’s £50 million selective school expansion fund.

The fund supports the expansion of selective schools which have plans to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The school in Norman Way is consulting on an expansion of student numbers for September 2020, potentially increasing admissions from 160 to 190 a year.

Now the school has submitted a planning application to Colchester Council for the extension to its Norman Way base.

The new art block will have three fully equipped art studios on the ground floor with a patio area to allow pupils to work outside.

There will also be a dedicated space for sixth form students to do A Level art.

On the first floor a new school library will be created alongside a careers centre.

The library area will have capacity for 150 students and offer electronic and physical resources for students.

School librarians Christine Cox and Lisa Craig are looking forward to working in their new space.

They said: “The new 200sq ft library will give the students a bright, comfortable and welcoming place in which to read, research and study.”

Solar panel will be fitted to the roof of the new block in a drive to become more eco-friendly.

If the bid gets the green light work would begin in the autumn and be ready by September 2020.

Executive principal Gillian Marshall said: “Our thriving creative arts subjects reflect the invention, experimentation, imagination and originality that are encouraged throughout our curriculum.

“We pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward looking school and aim to encourage our students to aspire to excellence in everything they do, express their creativity and flourish as individuals.”

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.