WILLIAM Edwards school in Stifford Clays has applied to open a new school.
Under the banner of the South West Essex Community Education Trust (SWECET)– the trust is applying to the Department for Education to open the school by September 2019.
The proposed new school, Orsett Heath Academy, would be opened under the Free Schools programme.
It is unclear whether this will be a second school or whether the school will be moving from its Stifford’s Clays Road location to a new location.
If it is moving then many may ask whether there are plans to build new homes on the school site?
If it is a second school, then some may ask whether there is space for another three new senior schools in the borough?
The change of name begs the question as to the exact location of the school. Geography students have suggested that it will not be a million miles away from Orsett Heath.
Two years ago, local councillors and residents on Orsett Heath successfully campaigned to prevent building on the heath.
However, the report does state that the new schools location could be close to Thurrock Harriers and Thurrock Rugby Club, which would suggest that the new school may be nearer to the land known as the Gammon Field.
The school may be hoping that a new building may kick-start a change in fortunes as William Edwards has seen their exam results decline over the past few years and a number of parents have also complained about a drop in standards of behaviour at the school.
William Edwards are not available for comment.
