A primary school is adding an extra classroom to address a predicted surge in demand for places.

Hillhouse Primary School in Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, currently has 280 pupils, which will rise to 315 over the coming years.

It follows data gathered from GPs on the number of children being born in the area.

The building work, funded by Essex County council, is scheduled to begin during the Easter holidays next year and be completed by September.

Hillhouse Primary was chosen for expansion because its yearly intake of 40 children is the lowest in the area.

Headteacher Joanne Willcox said: “We’re really excited about the building work and we’ve already planned some projects for the children to do on it.

“This year our intake was 45. If it was to go over 50 it would be difficult because we don’t have enough space.

“Once the new classroom is here the extra intake shouldn’t affect the children’s education because we’re working hard to improve and maintain high standards.

“We are currently experiencing a three year upward trend in our Ofsted results.”