THE headteacher of St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope has contacted concerned parents and local residents to correct a report in the Thurrock Gazette newspaper which said the school would be taking on an additional 500 pupils.

Head Ashlie Hughes was responding to a report in the latest edition of the paper to alleviate concerns as parents contacted the school.

The paper appears to have misinterpreted a planning application put forward to Thurrock Council and Mrs Hughes said: "Following on from a recent article that was in the Thurrock Gazette, I just wanted to explain that planning permission has been approved for our extension.

"The building work for this started last year and has been ongoing, we are not taking an extra 500 pupils from this point.

"We have already taken in the large year group who are now in year 8. Future year groups will be in line with our usual numbers.

The building works include a three-storey block and a new sports pavilion; these should be in use by the end of this academic year for our current children to enjoy."

A report from Thurrock Nub News in December can be viewed via the red button below.