PLANS have been drawn up for a complete regeneration of an Essex school to create "a more welcoming, inspiring and safe environment to teach and learn". 

The Department of Education is proposing the rebuilding project of Bromfords School in Grange Avenue, Wickford. The plans include demolishing all existing blocks on site and building two new school buildings—a new main school building and a new sports centre.

Plans also include a dedicated entrance and garden for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, 128 parking spaces, and a drop-off layby for three coaches at a time. Temporary classrooms will be installed while works are taking place, and the main construction will take place in phases over approximately three years.

A statement on the plans from the developer on its website said: "The current buildings at the school are in poor condition and approaching the end of their usable life span. The Department of Education has tasked Bowmer and Kirkland with developing a scheme that will better accommodate students, staff, and the community; enable the school to remain operational on-site during construction; achieve net zero carbon in operation; and provide improved facilities.

"The plans represent a major investment from the Department for Education and a more welcoming, inspiring and safe environment to teach and learn. The regeneration will be largely constructed off-site to help minimise disruption to neighbours."

The school's headteacher, Jochen Tree, said: "The Bromfords School is a strong, caring community whose students and staff deserve the very best facilities. Following an extensive design process with the Department for Education and specialists on the design team we are delighted to be able to share with you our proposals for the future of our school.

"The plans will deliver a more sustainable and efficient education facility where we can meet our core values to achieve, enrich and prepare all students with the knowledge, skills and attributes essential for success in the 21st Century."

Bromfords School is part of Compass Education Trust and has 1,118 pupils on the school roll, 86 of whom are at the sixth form college.