A GRAMMAR school has revealed plans for a £1.75million new sixth form block.

Bosses at Westcliff High School for Boys, in Kenilworth Gardens, want the building up and running within a year.

Plans, which have been submitted to Southend Council, would see a bridge built connecting the sixth form to the main school, plus the creation of a new student common room.

They also include eight new classrooms, a third level to the library, a complete refurbishment of the toilet block and improvements to disabled access.

The prosposal comes after an increase in pupil numbers from 240 in 2009 to 338 – a figure which is expected to rise.

Headmaster Andrew Baker hailed the “fantastic” plans, and feels they will make the school even more attractive.

He said: “We need to develop both our teaching accommodation and study facilities.

“Like all our developments we are looking to go forward while keeping the look of our original buildings the same.

“Hopefully this development will put the sixth form right at the heart of the school.

“Our sixth form has a very good academic record, so I think these new facilities will be first rate and help us push our way through even further into the 21st century.”

The development will be built on land opposite the library at the school. Work is hoped to begin during the summer holidays if the plans are approved.

Leigh-based architects Livemore Partnership has drawn up the plans. Tony Watts, a partner for the firm, said: “This is quite an ambitious project the school has put forward, but it’s a very exciting one to be a part of.”