HARRIS ACADEMY in Chafford Hundred has claimed that it has approval to open a second school in the area in September 2015.
The announcement was made on the school web site.
The decision could have major implications for education in Thurrock.
If all goes to plan there could be 1,000 students at the school by 2019.
The statement on the school website said:
"We’re delighted to announce that the Department for Education has given Harris approval to open a new, co-educational Secondary School in Chafford Hundred in September 2015.
"Our existing Secondary School in Thurrock, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred, is one of the leading state schools in the country and regularly receives more than three applications for every place and turns away over 100 applicants who put it first choice.
"The new free school is in response to parent demand and will create a further 180 high-quality Year 7 places each year for local children".
