HIGHCLIFFE School has successfully obtained planning permission for a new building on the site.

The establishment on Parkside submitted proposals for the six-classroom facility to Christchurch Borough Council.

This followed a bid to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the funding required to carry out the project.

Academies such as Highcliffe have to request finances from ESFA.

After successfully obtaining planning permission through a delegated officer decision, the strength of the funding bid has improved.

The proposed classroom building is to provide "much-needed" space to accommodate the school's current students.

Speaking about the application, Simon Fuller, director of business and finance at Highcliffe School, told the Daily Echo: "It's important we have the right environment for the students to learn in.

"We want to give the students as good a chance as they and that is why we are looking to improve."