A GRAMMAR school has failed to get enough Government funding to rebuild its sixth form block – and now wants to extend the existing one instead.

Westcliff High School for Girls, in Kenilworth Gardens, was keen to knock down its sixth form building and build a new one in its place, and the proposal was accepted by Southend Council in June.

But the school has now been forced to dust down an older plan, which was refused in March, and wants the council to think again.

The plan is for a two-storey extension on the current block.

A document submitted to the council states the school: “Has only secured grant funding from central Government to implement the extension and not a new sixth form block.

“The appellant is therefore seeking the extension and not a replacement building.”

Graham Longley, a councillor for Blenheim Park, said: “I think what’s important is the school is trying to make provision for its sixth formers. They need additional space, as it is fairly cramped there and something needs to be done.

“I did have doubts about the extension, but they convinced me that it would be similar in style to the other new building they put in a few years ago.”

He added: “I wouldn’t have any problem with anything that can be agreed as a sensible solution to the issue.”

No one at the school was available to comment.