AN ambitious five-year plan for one of Colchester's top secondary schools was unveiled yesterday.The £3million scheme should see Philip Morant School and College, in Rembrandt Way, improving its classrooms, its sixth form environment, its catering facilities and security for its students by 2007.

AN ambitious five-year plan for one of Colchester's top secondary schools was unveiled yesterday.

The £3million scheme should see Philip Morant School and College, in Rembrandt Way, improving its classrooms, its sixth form environment, its catering facilities and security for its students by 2007.

Proposed building work included in the project includes a new science laboratory and a new dining area.

There will also be an extension to the college, the building of a security fence around the site and a new all-weather sports pitch.

However headteacher Russell Moon said yesterday the improvements were aimed at increasing the school's pupil intake.

Instead, the plans are to enhance the quality of education provided to the existing number.

Yesterday questionnaires and consultation documents were circulated among students, parents and members of the surrounding communities to ask their views about the plans.

They were also issued with a brochure - called New Approaches - outlining issues addressed by the five-year project.

This was collated after governors and staff worked together in attempting to create a clear vision for the school's future.

"We have worked very hard to capture the issues we need to address over the next five years, and we look forward to hearing the views of parents, students and the community," said Mr Moon.

"Our students, staff and the community deserve the best facilities we can offer, and we hope that these plans will deliver the highest quality buildings and facilities possible."

The school has already acquired around £750,000 towards the cost of the scheme, and Mr Moon hopes to acquire the rest through fundraising and grants.

A professional fundraiser has been appointed and Mr Moon said he felt confident the project could be completed on schedule.

Finance for a new cycle path and park, the resurfacing of the school's car park, the refitting of the main hall and the construction of the security fence around the site had already been found, he added.