A new two-storey sixth form block could be created at a Walsall secondary school to cope with an increase in student numbers.

A new base for older pupils to study at Shire Oak in Lichfield Road has been submitted to Walsall Council planning chiefs.

The proposed 130sq metre building will go in front of the gymnasium. The school is among those selected in the Building Schools for the Future which is seeing up to £100 million spent on rebuilding and enlarging six schools. The number of sixth formers has doubled at the school and bosses want to create new independent study areas for them to study for their A-levels.

A planning statement from Anthony Spruce Design, on behalf of the school, said

“Whilst the school has sufficient accommodation to cater for the increased numbers in terms of class rooms, the need for independent study facilities is essential.

“The school consists of 74 classrooms with the appropriate number of staff, it is not the intention to increase the staff level. There will be consultation with the Coal Board and Severn Trent Water prior to building regulation approval.

“The sixth form currently have facilities available to them in all three of the main buildings.

These facilities will continue to be used by the sixth form. The extended facilities will provide enhanced study and recreational facilities for the students.”

The existing car park will remain under the application which is expected to go before members of the development control committee later this year.

Shire Oak School has had more applications for sixth form spots than ever before with close to 200 teenagers expecting to start their A-level studies in September.

The school has a total of 1,350 pupils.