Huddersfield could have two “super schools”.

Plans for another through-school for four to 16-year-olds have just been unveiled.

A letter sent home last night with all 850 pupils at Paddock’s Royds Hall High School outlined proposals for a school to cater for pupils from reception class right through to Year 11 GCSEs.

The idea has been kept under wraps since September 23, when Kirklees Council decided to explore the possibility of building a new school for infants and juniors in the extensive Royds Hall grounds

It follows the start of Kirklees Cabinet’s consultation process on its plan to merge three Almondbury schools to create one large school with 1,200 pupils ranging in age from three to 16.

It is believed that the latest proposal came from Kirklees Council, rather than staff at Royds Hall, and follows concerns over future supply of primary school places in HD3 and surrounding areas.

In last night’s letter addressed to all parents and carers, Royds Hall headteacher Melanie Williams said: “I am writing to tell you about possible changes to Royds Hall High School.

“Due to the demand for primary school places in this area of Huddersfield and an approach from the local authority, discussions have begun to look into extending the age range of our school.

“It is hoped that a proposal will be put forward within the next few weeks that would be subject to consultation.”

The expansion would take place over seven years, with reception-age children starting in the first year, and a further intake each year until all primary school years were filled.

Ms Williams continued: “No decisions have been made and no changes would happen without you having a chance to express your views. I fully appreciate that the prospect of change may lead to some uncertainty for parents, carers and children.

“Although the proposal is not yet fully developed, I can assure you that the education and welfare of our current students will be uppermost in our thoughts as we plan ahead.

“No further details are available at the moment, but I will write to you again as soon as I can.”

FACTFILE

The school began life as Royds Hall Grammar School.

It opened on September 20, 1921, in the former Royds Hall Mansion, built by Sir Joseph Crosland, the Conservative MP for Huddersfield from 1893–95, in 1866.

On his death in 1904, he left the property to his nephew Thomas Pearson Crosland, who sold it to Huddersfield Corporation in 1915 for �17,000.

The school became a comprehensive in the early 1970s.

Its most famous old boy is Sir Harold Wilson, the former British Prime Minister.