A sixth form could be transformed with the creation of a new building as pupil numbers are increasing. 

Plans for a new detached building to form a single storey sixth form facility at St Benedict's Catholic School in Beetons Way, Bury St Edmunds, have been submitted to West Suffolk Council. 

The new building would include a sixth form common room, dedicated study space, an office, toilet area and a lobby. 

A design and access statement submitted to the district council by the applicant - the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia - states St Benedict's Catholic School was built in the 1960s when there were a third of the pupils that there are today at 975.

It continues to say that the sixth form at St Benedict's is "thriving" with pupil numbers described as "increasing". 

"There are currently 150 pupils in the sixth form and their only dedicated space is a common room of 74 sqm," it reads.

"There are no study spaces, so the school library is often used by sixth formers for this purpose."

According to the document the proposal would benefit the rest of the school students as the dedicated sixth form area would mean younger age groups would have easier access to the library. 

It continues to explain the existing common room would become a chapel for the school, which means the drama studio which is currently used for Mass will be freed up. 

St Benedict's Catholic School is part of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Multi Academy Trust and is attended by mixed gender 11 to 18 year olds.