A POPULAR secondary school has submitted plans to expand its sixth form college as it is struggling to cope with the intake of students.

The King John School, in Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley wants to construct two new glass-fronted wings on their existing sixth form building, in an effort to boost their capacity.

The mathematics and computer specialist school is unique as it is the only state-run school in Castle Point offering sixth form education.

For the first time, pupils had to be turned away this year as over 370 applications were received for its 326 pupil places.

This comes after news the school is expanding their Arts Academy a mere 10 months after it was first launched.

Architects Munday and Cramer, who submitted the plans on behalf of King John, said in the application: “The current sixth form accommodation is not sufficient for the growing number of pupils at the school and therefore larger facilities are required. The existing school is already at capacity and all rooms are used during a full timetable.

“Excellent academic results have led to an increase in applications to the school. Based on a recent open evening in early October, the interest in the sixth form is greater than the same time last year.”

From 2013, young people across the country will be required to stay in education or training until they are 17 under new legislation.

From 2015 the Government will be changing this age limit again to 18, putting added pressure on educational facilities.

The popularity of the sixth form has been growing over the past two years, with 268 pupils in 2010 and 371 this September.

Staff predict the number of applications could skyrocket over the next three years following the new legislation to a potential 500 students.

The plans will also include demolishing existing maintenance buildings, creating a new courtyard and a new car park.

The Echo contacted the school for a comment but did not receive a response.