PORT Glasgow High is on a roll - with the number of pupils on its register set to rise.

Education chiefs are having to make space for extra pupils in the S1 intake as the school's popularity grows.

Officials have asked for the go-ahead to increase capacity to 120.

This fulfils the obligation of the council to make room for new pupils who move into the catchment area.

Local councillors on the committee welcomed the news as they praised the success of the school in recent years.

Councillor Jim MacLeod said: "I remember sitting round the table and having discussions about school rolls for the new campus way back in 2008.

"We were told at that time that we were looking at dwindling numbers at the schools.

"So this is encouraging and it is a pleasant surprise."

Ward councillor David Wilson told the committee that Port Glasgow was now the first choice for many parents in Kilmacolm.

He said fewer parents are making placing requests for their children to attend a high-performing Renfrewshire secondary.

Cllr Wilson said: "This is very encouraging and a welcome pressure to have.

"I think it is testament to the work of the former head teacher Stuart Clark, and the new head teacher is following in the same way

"I also note that more Kilmacolm Primary parents are sending their children to Port Glasgow High rather than Gryffe High."

In recent years Port Glasgow High has enjoyed record exam success, with more pupils than ever before passing Highers.

Education and communities committee members were asked to agree to a proposal to increase the school's first year intake to 120.

Director Ruth Binks told the committee that the current S1 intake is 100, the maximum set in a review which was conducted a number of years ago.

Although there would be more S1 pupils under the change, the school would still be within its overall capacity.