An ambitious headteacher hopes to expand her school to accomodate children from new housing.

Shelley Jones, head of De Vere Primary School in Kirby Hall Road, Castle Hedingham, says the school is in a prime position for families buying 193 new homes off Swan Street, Sible Hedingham.

If chosen for expansion, the school could benefit from two new classrooms for 70 extra pupils.

De Vere Primary School’s latest Ofsted report, published on October 1, stated pupils thought the school would be improved by having one class per year group, rather than mixed classes.

Head at St Peter’s Primary School in Sible Hedingham, John Smith, also hopes his school will be expanded but the decision lies with Essex County Council.

Both schools are due to undergo a feasibility study to see how any expansion would affect access and properties neighbouring the schools.

Ms Jones, who took on her role at De Vere in April, said: “My understanding is Essex County Council has approached several schools in the area, including St Peters, about the Premdor development and where to put these new classrooms.

“Both schools are fairly equally distanced from the new houses.

“We would like it to be us - whatever happens there will be an expansion of schools in this area."

The school was recently rated Good by inspectors after being inspected on September 11 and 12.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said the new houses would create a shortfall of 100 Reception places by 2017.