DESIGNS have been finalised for a secondary school to replace a cramped and oversubscribed building from the Sixites.

If everything goes to plan, children from St Francis Xavier School, in Richmond, could transfer from the old premises to the new school in September 2005.

Formal plans are now ready for submission for approval and the architects have come up with a two-storey building.

The intention is to build the main buildings behind the existing premises, which would then be demolished to make way for a sports hall, dance and drama studio and other units.

The scheme should be complete by the autumn of 2006.

Headteacher Joe McAuley said: "It will have all the classroom space we need, with each department based in its own suite."

The new school was given official backing earlier this year when education ministers confirmed they would pay for 80 per cent of the estimated £8m costs.

Dr McAuley said the school would also be for use by the community, with a large sports hall, catering facilities, and IT suite and conference area.

In addition, there will be a library and resource centre, meetings rooms and a hall for drama and other events.