ONE of the most popular schools in Ipswich looks all set for a rapid expansion.Councillors are set to give St Albans High School permission to build a major extension to its premises in Digby Road.

By Paul Geater

ONE of the most popular schools in Ipswich looks all set for a rapid expansion.

Councillors are set to give St Albans High School permission to build a major extension to its premises in Digby Road.

The expansion will include four classrooms, two art rooms, a music and drama area, three practice rooms, and other accommodation.

It would enable the number of pupils at the school to rise from 770 at present to 990 by September 2004.

The school also wants to change the layout of its access road, creating turning circles for buses and coaches as well as a new cycle storage area.

St Albans is a Catholic Voluntary Aided school, serving the Deanery of Ipswich which includes much of South Suffolk.

The increase in the number of homes in this area has led to an increase in the number of applications for places at the school over the last four years.

During that time it has also opened a new sixth form which has also led to an increase in numbers there.

The expansion has been supported by Ipswich council, but five local residents have lodged objections because of fears about the amount of traffic on the roads around the school and the amount of noise the school's expansion will cause.

"The expansion will allow us to increase by one class per year," said headteacher Dennis McGarry.

"We are very much hoping it does clear this hurdle so we can go ahead with the new building project."

St Albans accepts children from all Christian denominations, but gives priority to members of the Roman Catholic church.

"We are still likely to be oversubscribed, but this will enable us to offer more places," Mr McGarry said.

Weblink:

www.st-albans.suffolk.sch.uk/