A SCHOOL that has undergone “rapid growth” over the past few years is looking to expand.

Critchill School, on Nunney Road in Frome, has submitted a planning application to erect a side extension to an existing classroom which would provide space for an additional classroom.

The school provides education for pupils who have complex and severe learning needs.

Headteacher Emma West said the extension would allow for smaller class sizes.

“The school has undergone rapid growth in its roll over the last few years and submitted a ‘significant changes’ to the Department of Education increasing its pupil numbers from 66 to 80 [in] November 2020,” she said.

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“Growth has continued to rise, due to demand in special school spaces. Our published admission number for 2024 is 85. We currently have 97 students on roll.

“Our projected number at present for September 2025 will be 96 students.

The proposed extension Picture: Your Design Bristol

“The addition of an additional classroom will allow for those students already on roll to have a more appropriate learning space and smaller class sizes.”

Agent Your Design Bristol, who submitted plans on behalf of the school, said smaller class sizes are “imperative” to higher standards of education.

They said: “Given the increase and requirement to accommodate children who need additional support and benefit from the much-needed professional care supplied by the teachers at Critchill School, additional open space classrooms appear to work well, and new facilities are welcomed by the teachers, all of the staff and the pupils.

“The style of teaching requires less children in each room and larger open areas, this is imperative to higher standards of education.”

To view and comment on the plans, visit somerset.gov.uk and search reference 2025/0156/FUL.

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