An undersubscribed secondary school will demolish its 1950s buildings in the new year, with hopes that modern classrooms will attract more pupils.

The High Weald Academy in Cranbrook is running at less than half of its capacity and wants to knock down its humanities, science and art blocks.

Its dining hall would also be coming down.

These will make way for a new build, backed by government money, which will house nearly all its lessons.

The mixed-sex academy has said some of its facilities are “no longer fit for purpose”.

High Weald Academy’s new block is scheduled to open in September 2019 and the old ones will not come down before this date. The school takes in less than 400 students, but it has the scope to teach more than 1,050.

"This is the fantastic news we have been waiting to being able to share with our students, families and staff for so long" - Nic Taylor

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's planning committee approved the development at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

Nic Taylor, project director and co-principal at the Brook Learning Trust, which runs the academy, said: “This is the fantastic news we have been waiting to being able to share with our students, families and staff for so long."

No residents have raised concerns with the proposals, while Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council supported the plans.

Speaking after the approval, Mrs Taylor said: "We will now have a suite of classrooms and facilities to be proud of, which will demonstrate to our whole community the great value and importance we place on our students’ learning experiences."

Once open, the new building will offer art, drama and music facilities along with classrooms, science labs and a learning resource centre.

Building work is expected to start in January.