A new school has taken its first major step towards a permanent home for lessons and sports.

A planning application has been submitted by Kier Construction for facilities at the Ongar Academy, which has been open with a class of 120 year seven pupils since September.

Temporary ‘modular’ buildings are currently hosting all classes and other activities, but it is hoped they will only be used for two years.

The application submitted in the last week includes plans for a sports hall, all-weather floodlit pitch and a new car park.

A previously released concept image shows a bright, white, three-storey atrium which could one day be built.

The school in The Gables is the first in Ongar since the Ongar Comprehensive School closed in 1989.

It specialises in the ‘STEM’ subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths.

Comments can be made on the plans until February 29, in writing or by visiting www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iPlan.