PUPILS, parents and local residents have been casting their eyes over “exciting” plans to extend a primary school in Highcliffe.

Dorset County Council has unveiled plans for a two-storey extension at Highcliffe St Mark Primary School to enable the school to accomm-odate more youngsters from the Christchurch area.

The extension, to be com-pleted by September next year, will have a music studio, three classrooms, a food tech room and a learning resource centre.

The school, which has 531 pupils, will be able to takee around 120 extra children.

Karen Boynton, headteacher, said the feedback from parents and locals following a public exhibition of the plans was very positive.

She added: “It’s an exciting time for the school. We have been planning it for quite a while so it’s nice to get this stage and see the plans.”

Mary Arnold, who has lived opposite the school for 19 years, had been concerned about parking outside the school but was left reassured after seeing the plans.

She said: “They have infor-med us that they are going to give more car parking spaces to staff so hopefully our road won’t be a car park.”

She added: “It’s a fantastic school. My grandchildren went there. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Katie Launchbury, whose son Noah is a year 2 pupil, said: “It’s very exciting. I’m really impressed that it’s going to be so environ-mentally friendly and it means more children in the area will be able to go to a great school.”

School governor Charmaine Midgley, said “It’s fantastic to finally see how the school will look. I think parents are very positive about it. We’re look-ing forward to seeing it built.”