A NEW £1million science block extension will be built at Westcliff High School for Boys.

Planning permission has been granted for a new science laboratory and refurbished technology block at the grammar school in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff.

The two-storey extension will be paid for by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Westcliff High’s Director of Resources David Partridge said the extension will be built on green space between buildings and was necessary to expand the school’s science offering.

He said: “STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] subjects are always very popular with our pupils, and we have a lot of students studying science subjects at GCSE and A-level.

“We are always over subscribed and the school has grown significantly over the last few years, so we need more room.

“We have been taking onboard an extra 31 pupils a year for the last three years and will continue to do so for another two years, as we have added one extra class per year.”

The new block will house science equipment including a fume cupboard for conducting chemistry experiments.

The refurbishment of the school’s technology block will be completed by the start of September in time for the start of the new academic year, and the science block will be open by November.

As well as success in the classroom students have had success in the war room.

A team of students from Westcliff High School recently won the semi finals of the Wargaming National Schools League Championship and are now preparing for the final on June 26.

The school is not the only one expanding.

A new £3million teaching block is set to open in January 2019 at St Thomas More High School in Kenilworth Gardens.

Shoebury High School, in Caufield Road, Shoebury, have had the green light for their plans for a new two-storey block including ten classrooms.

And St Bernards High School, Milton Road, Westcliff will be building a three-storey extension to increase space.