Nailsea School is adding an extra class for year seven pupils to cope with the increase in demand for spaces.

North Somerset Times: Nailsea School is looking to attract new pupils to help with declining numbers,Nailsea School is looking to attract new pupils to help with declining numbers, (Image: Archant)

Applications from year six students in nearby primary schools have increased and leaders at the secondary school are now raising its intake to 180 this year.

A rising number of students from the school have also applied to carry on their studies at the sixth form – with 85 per cent opting to stay on.

Dee Elliott took over as headteacher of the school in July last year and is delighted pupil numbers are thriving.

She said: “Applications from year six students in local primary feeder schools have increased and now Nailsea is raising its intake for the next year seven to 180 students.

North Somerset Times: Nailsea School.Nailsea School. (Image: Archant)

“Nailsea has a waiting list for the current year seven which will increase by one whole class in September to facilitate the new students.

“Applications to the sixth form have increased with 85 per cent of current Nailsea School year 11 students applying to continue their learning in Nailsea in September. This has enabled an extension to the number of subjects that can be offered to students which has been well received.”

The school is planning to create a hub, which will open in September, to provide extra support to students who find the transition to secondary school challenging.

It will also provide an alternative curriculum for selected students in year 10 and 11 to help them improve their chances of exam success.

North Somerset Times: Dee Heal is a current deputy headteacher at Nailsea School.Dee Heal is a current deputy headteacher at Nailsea School. (Image: Archant)

Talking about the school’s recent success and changes planned, a spokesman said: “The governing body is delighted its confidence and trust in appointing Mrs Elliott has made such a difference to both students and staff over the past year which is now being recognised across the community and afar.

“The school is pleased to have recently retained its Investors in People Award.

“Following the assessment earlier this term, Nailsea received positive comments on its impressive development under Mrs Elliott’s leadership.”

Mrs Elliott added: “In recent years Nailsea School has taken difficult budgeting decisions to ensure money is effectively directed towards the education of its students.

“As a result there has been a lot of change, but the school is now in a position of strength to build on recent progress and introduce new developments whiich will provide students, both present and future, with the best possible opportunities to aspire, believe and succeed.”