PLANS are well underway for a new Harris Academy to open later this year.
The Harris Federation has signed a Funding Agreement with the Department for Education which formally confirms that Harris Academy Riverside will open in September 2017.
The new site will be situated close to Purfleet Railway station as part of the massive regeneration project in the area.
Initially, pupils will be “housed” at the Harris Primary Academy Mayflower in Chafford Hundred until the new school is ready in 2019.
Nicky Graham, who will lead the new academy in addition to Harris Academy Chafford Hundred (HACH), said:
“With HACH so oversubscribed, we are all delighted to be able to offer more places and we are looking forward to opening later this year.”
Head of Academy, Andrew Betts said:
“This Funding Agreement is a massive leap forward in our journey to opening. Parents who have applied will be delighted to know that the academy is now guaranteed to open. We look forward to educating local children to the highest standards.”
Harris Academy Riverside has a limited number of Year 7 places available and is accepting applications until Friday 17th March. Priority will be given to those who live closest to either Purfleet Station or the junction of Magnet Road and London Road. Applications can be made here.
Cabinet member for Education and Health, Cllr James Halden, is delighted that it’s all systems go for the new school.
He said: 
“Thurrock Council is extremely supportive of the additional Harris site in Thurrock and I was extremely happy to support them in attaining the land required to progress with their expansion plans, ensuring more choice for Thurrock students.”
Cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Mark Coxshall, is also impressed with the school’s ambition. He said:
“Harris has shown us time and again how committed they are to Thurrock and our students. This administration will always be very supportive in terms of their expansion ambitions across Thurrock.”
