BACK IN 2014, the Department for Education approved the opening of a new Harris Academy in Thurrock.
The Harris Federation confidently announced that "The new school will open in September 2015 and we are keen to consult with local families about our proposals".
Unfortunately, the school failed to find land for a new school. Pupils who had been allocated a place in the new school were given new schools.
Since then there has been a deafening silence on the matter.
The admissions booklet for 2016 was published today (Wednesday) and there is no mention of a second Harris Academy.
YT has asked the Harris Academy for an update but have not received a response.
Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price is unavailable for comment.
A Thurrock Council spokesperson said: "Harris Federation, the EFA and Thurrock Council are working together to identify a site that can be acquired for the Free School that would be within or close to the Purfleet Regeneration Area and thus well placed to serve it as well as the wider south west Thurrock and Purfleet area.
"At the moment the Free School is still planned to open in 2016 but this date will need to be reviewed later in the Autumn in the light of progress on the acquisition of the site".
Shadow portfolio holder for education, cllr James Halden (Cons) has told us he will look into this.
It does seem strange that on the day that the prime minister David Caneron makes a big announcement on free schools, there seems to be radio silence in a far corner of West Thurrock……
We are sure there are a larger number of Chafford Hundred parents who would like an answer.
