New schools and extensions are planned to cope with a 'peak' in Norfolk secondary school pupils and the number of vulnerable children needing specialist education.

Norfolk County Council has unveiled a new list detailing its plans to create more school places over the next three years.

And officers have revealed that, for one of the mooted school extensions, they will have to use special powers to snap up the land needed.

There has been an oversubscription of school places in high schools this September in a number of areas, with particular issues in Hethersett and Downham Market.

Watton & Swaffham Times: Downham Market AcademyDownham Market Academy

The council's plans to tackle this were discussed at a meeting of the authority's people and communities committee on Friday (July 14).

Isabel Horner, sufficiency delivery manager at Norfolk County Council, told councillors: "At present, there is a demographic peak being experienced in secondary schools. This is reflected in the focus of the programme."

The council is planning extensions at Hethersett High, Wymondham High, King's Lynn Academy, Downham Market Academy and Attleborough High.

And a new secondary school for North Norwich/Rackheath is planned.

READ MORE: Norfolk County Council to add units to six primary schools

Watton & Swaffham Times: Brian LongBrian Long (Image: Archant 2018)

Brian Long, Conservative councillor for Fincham, said: "I am really pleased to see the Downham Market Academy expansion on there for 2025.

"In terms of capacity and need, I know that has been a real problem in recent years."

There are plans for a relocation and expansion of Holt Primary and new primary schools in Thetford, Attleborough and Poringland.

READ MORE: Fred Nicholson School switch to Swaffham is defended

For children with special educational needs, the council is waiting for the green light from the Department for Education over two new special schools - one for children with autism and one for youngsters with complex needs.

Watton & Swaffham Times: Fred Nicholson SchoolFred Nicholson School

The committee heard plans for a proposal to move The Fred Nicholson Complex Needs School in Dereham to a new, expanded, site in Swaffham are due to be lodged within weeks.

And officers said plans to extend Sheringham Woodfields special school hinge on the council using compulsory purchase powers to acquire a nearby field.

The money for the schemes will be a mix of grants, government cash, borrowing and money from developers.