A north Norfolk complex needs school could be expanded to include a sixth form centre following a £636,000 windfall.

The government cash was secured by Norfolk County Council and if the new centre at Sidestrand Hall School, near Cromer, is built 40 places for post 16 students could become available.

Teenagers at the centre - which could include flexible learning spaces, a common room and kitchen for independence training - would be able to continue their education for three years.

The council has also committed additional funds to create 12 new places for children under 16 with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), helping to ensure more children can be taught nearer to their homes.

Sidestrand Hall currently teaches children aged seven-16 and it is hoped the new sixth form will help reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the area.

A six week consultation into the proposal starts today with drop in sessions at the school happening on Friday May 9 and Tuesday May 13, from 3.30-5.30pm.

Sarah Macro, headteacher at Sidestrand Hall, said: 'This is a really exciting opportunity for us as a school and students with special educational needs in north Norfolk. The lack of choice for students post 16 has been a gap in provision in the area for too long.'

To view the consultation documents visit www.citizenspace.com/norfolk/consultation/sidestrand

or call the customer service centre at the council on 0344 800 8020 for a paper copy.

For a full story see tomorrow's EDP.