Plans to create an “academy” from Belhus Chase School in Aveley are to be discussed at a public meeting early in May.
The school will be hosting the public consultation meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, 6 May.
In January this year Thurrock Council’s Cabinet backed the proposals to create an academy and Cllr Sue MacPherson, the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Academy status no longer has the stigma of being a ‘failing’ school.
“This proposal, if agreed, would give young people in the far west of Thurrock the chance to have a brand new, purpose-built education facility closer to their homes.”
The academy would be an all-ability school for around 900 children in Years 7 to 11, as well as having a 200-student sixth form.
Its sponsors are The Ormiston Trust — currently sponsors of The Gateway Academy in Tilbury — and the South East Essex College, which is developing the new Thurrock Learning Campus in Grays.
We interviewed Tess Walker, Head teacher at Belhus Chase and the Principal Designate for the proposed academy and asked her about the exciting new plans.
Wednesday, 6 May is the main consultation day. There are meetings scheduled throughout the day, culminating in a public event at the school starting at 7pm.
A consultation on the academy proposal is currently open and closes on Friday 15 May. Consultation documents will be available at the meeting on 6 May, or can be completed online at
www.thurrockcommunityacademy.org/questionnaire
