A MAJOR building boost for Ottery schools could be on the way if county councillors approve an ambitious building programme next week.

A MAJOR building boost for Ottery schools could be on the way if county councillors approve an ambitious building programme next week.The cash is part of a potential £235 million to be spent across Devon on improving and replacing schools and facilities for children.If councillors agree, Ottery Primary School will receive £4million and The King's School will receive £1.2million.Ottery Primary headteacher Doug Rylance said: "It is a fabulous scheme, which would address many of the school's existing problems."We would be delighted if it went ahead, as it would benefit the whole community."County councillor Roger Giles said: "Ottery's school children will finally get the up to date and first class facilities that they deserve."The oversubscribed school currently only has space for 335 pupils, however planning permission has already been agreed for a new two-storey building.This is to accommodate 14 classes and increase pupil numbers from 335 up to a maximum of 420.The designs propose removing the existing key stage II section of the school, replacing it with new ICT suite, a dance and drama studio.The cash for The King's School would provide a seven-classroom expansion.These would be modular units designed and part built off site, which would then be completed on the existing King's site.This is a change from a previous application to build on adjacent land which was withdrawn by Devon County Council after objections from neighbours.Although the design work for this new build has been carried out, it has yet to gain planning approval.Robin Mitchell, chair of King's governors, said: "It is excellent to know all the funding is in place."We really need this as, without the extra buildings, we would not have space for the pupils in September"The really crucial thing now is that it does not get hung up in planning."Headteacher Faith Jarrett said: "This is exactly what the school needs. We have been really struggling with space and this will make all the difference."She said, as the new plans were for the only available piece of land on the existing school site, everyone hoped the new application would be successful.