The proposed investment would increase John Masefield High School's capacity from five forms of entry to six forms of entry, creating an additional 150 secondary school places and increasing the school's overall capacity from 750 to 900 pupils. 

The council has worked closely with John Masefield High School to develop the proposals, with feasibility studies demonstrating that the expansion can be accommodated through proportionate improvements to the existing site while continuing to provide high-quality facilities for local children.

Plans include the creation of additional teaching accommodation, including classrooms and specialist learning spaces, helping to support the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum while minimising disruption to day-to-day school activities.

Alongside the proposed expansion at John Masefield, the programme includes improvements at Weobley High School through the relocation of modular classrooms currently in use at Peterchurch while the new school is being built. The proposal would see these existing council assets reused to replace two temporary classrooms at Weobley with modern, high-quality teaching facilities.

Subject to planning approval, the projects will be delivered through the council's capital investment programme for schools, which aims to improve learning environments, support educational outcomes and ensure value for money. The schemes form part of a wider £5.39 million programme funded through the Department for Education's Basic Need Capital Grant, which helps local authorities meet their statutory duty to provide sufficient school places.

The proposals also support the council's commitment to providing high-quality education within local communities, helping children and young people access school places closer to home and reducing the need for longer journeys.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said: "Ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality local school place is a key priority for the council. These proposals will support John Masefield High School to meet growing demand in the Ledbury area while continuing to deliver an excellent standard of education." 

Further details will be shared as the John Masefield High School and Weobley High School projects progress.