BY 2020, it is possible that Thurrock might have six new senior schools.
Whether Thurrock needs six new senior schools is a moot point.
The Harris Federation have already been given permission to open a second school. It’s location may well be in the West Thurrock or Purfleet area.
The Gateway Learning Community (GLC)has applied to build a second school close to the Tilbury Pioneer Academy.
Needless to say, the GLC have done their homework and appear to have a very good case on a number of fronts.
William Edwards also has a distinctive offer in the shape of a sports hub as they bid to open the Orsett Heath Academy (even if it looks like it will be on Blackshots).
YT also understands that Gable Hall want to build a school across the road on Southend Road.
It appears that St Clere’s do not want to be left out and have also put a bid in.
Treetops Specialist school has a bid taking shape.
It all begs a number of questions. Is there a demand? Statistics point to the possibility that there will be a need for an extra 400 places next year.
That still doesn’t quite justify six new schools or perhaps there is something we are not getting (wouldn’t be the first time).
The key question we would like to have answered is where on earth they will get the teachers from?
Recruiting teachers is clearly a big problem in Thurrock. Heads are forced to travel to Australia to try and recruit.
We are told that other recruitment fairs have yielded very very little interest.
This may well be case of "You don’t ask, you don’t get" but another cliche is "Be careful what you wish for."
We will follow all the bids with interest.
