A HUGE £14.8 million investment has been agreed to fund the expansion of a school in Maldon.

This investment, funded by Essex County Council, will create 300 new school places over the next three academic years at Plume Academy.

The decision was confirmed at the council's cabinet meeting today.

The need for additional spaces comes as a result of the town's growth and two new housing developments on Limebrook Way and in Heybridge.

The expansion aims to offer more Year 7 pupils their preferred school place, reducing the need for travel to distant schools.

Councillor Tony Ball, cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, said: "This expansion will provide much-needed secondary school places in an area that is rapidly growing.

"We are committed to ensuring every pupil in Essex has access to a high-quality education and working with Plume School Academy Trust on this project will ensure more pupils in and around the area can benefit."

While the council is funding the project, the responsibility for delivering and managing the build falls to the Plume School Academy Trust.

The lower school's expansion is expected to be completed by September 2025, while the upper school campus will be ready by September 2026.

There will be 60 additional places for Year 7 pupils for the 2025/26 academic year.

A public consultation previously determined that the expansion of Plume Academy is the most "sustainable and effective" solution.

A spokesman for Essex County Council added: "A public consultation was held previously which concluded that the expansion of Plume Academy is the most sustainable and effective choice to meet the growing demand for school places in Maldon and the surrounding areas.

"It will alleviate pressure on existing school infrastructure. It also means the council is delivering on its commitment to ensuring that children and young people receive a good education and are given every opportunity to succeed."

The council's decision is subject to a three-day call-in period after ratification at Cabinet before being fully confirmed.