Hereford Sixth Form College is seeking planning permission for a smart new block to accommodate an influx of students expected in the next few years.

The expanding school roll is expected to grow to bulging point in the coming years, as the large number of year nine, 10 and 11 students in the county's secondary schools enrol.

An artist's impression of the proposed building shows a light and airy three-storey block, attractively designed with enormous windows spanning across the front.

It will house an enlarged library and information technology centre, a student study and social space and additional classrooms.

Principal, Dr Jonathan Godfrey, said: "The college was established to be the collective sixth form for schools in Hereford. We know there will be more students coming to us because of a demographic growth in numbers of sixth formers currently in years nine, 10 and 11 of our partner schools.

"Owing to the college's outstanding record of academic excellence and extra curricular activities, many students are deciding to come to us in preference of other options."

The intended site is between two existing buildings and will improve the quality of accommodation with its enhanced layout, disabled access and easy access to the garden in the centre of the campus.

"The building has been designed to complement the existing accommodation and is sited in such a way as to have very little impact on the surrounding area," added Dr Godfrey.