A COUNTY high school could be set to expand its maths and science facilities should planning permission be approved.

John Kyrle High School, in Ross-on-Wye, is requesting permission to build a three-storey teaching block to update facilities for existing pupils.

Carol Straughan, the head teacher's PA, said the new building is the result of increasing pupil numbers – particularly in year seven from September and the sixth form.

It will provide an A-Level maths suite and specialist post-16 science laboratories.

"John Kyrle offers A Levels in maths, further maths and mechanics in addition to A levels in all three sciences and geology," said Ms Straughan.

"More than half of current year 12 students study maths and/or a science. Performance in these subjects contributed in part to the school’s recent place in the top 10 per cent of A-level providers nationally.

"This year, in consultation with the local authority the school has agreed to increase its pupil admission number from 210 to 240 to meet the requests for placements in year seven for September 2014."

"It only agreed to do this provided it was able to secure funding from various sources to provide a new Maths/Science block, thereby freeing up existing buildings to be refurbished."