Security patrols and CCTV cameras could soon guard a hidden basement full of guns and ammunition under plans for an armoury at a prestigious school.

Highgate School is applying to build a bunker underneath a playing field to store weapons for its cadet force to use on the school’s existing rifle range.

Heavy security measures, including nightly and weekend patrols, would guard the armoury off Bishopswood Road, Highgate, as required by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which has given the proposals the green light.

The basement would be made of reinforced concrete to prevent opportunist thieves from breaking in and stealing weapons.

A spokeswoman for Highgate School said: “As with many schools, Highgate School includes a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) as one of its varied extra-curricular activities for students.”

She added: “As with the current CCF facilities, appropriate safety regulations stipulated by the MoD will continue to be strictly followed by Highgate.

“The newly proposed development would allow materials to be transferred to the rifle range more easily and securely as the store can be accessed without leaving the building.”

The new armoury would be built underneath the school’s rifle range if plans are approved by a Haringey Council planning committee.

CCTV cameras, a burglar alarm, security patrols and motion-sensitive lighting would all work to protect the armoury from intruders.

It would only be used by pupils and cadets at the school outside of school hours and not be rented out for commercial use.

Pupils would be supervised at all times while using the armoury.

The spokeswoman said: “For many years Highgate has employed security guards to monitor the school grounds and help keep all its buildings secure after school and at weekends.”

The school is one of 260 across the UK which has a CCF run by the MoD in partnership with schools.

Cadets may serve one of three sections: the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.