East London school could become biggest in country to deal with pupil place crisis

Robert Clack School in Barking and Dagenham could be asked by the local council to expand to a 16-form entry system, increasing its roll to 2,500. The mixed comprehensive currently has 1,900 pupils and specialises in science.

Barking and Dagenham is one of 11 London councils that face high increases in secondary school demand and has experienced the biggest growth in London in the number of children aged up to four.

If the proposal is agreed, Robert Clack school would overtake the current biggest post 11 school in England, which is Ashfield Comprehensive in Nottinghamshire, with 2,492 pupils.

A council spokeswoman said: "These proposals are being discussed with schools and no decisions have been taken. This is an option available to more than one school."

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