THURROCK'S new secondary school has been given the green light to open in September.

After a review of the school's educational plans and a detailed Ofsted inspection earlier this month, the Department for Education has now given the go ahead for Thames Park Secondary School, which will initially set up in buildings formerly used as part of the South Essex College campus in Grays town centre.

Eventually the school will transfer, subject to planning permission, to a purpose built site close to Chadwell St Mary and adjacent to USP Palmer's College.

After the inspection Ofsted inspectors said they were particularly impressed with the school's educational vision, alongside the planning that is in place for opening this September and beyond.

Headteacher, Kam Bains, said: "We look forward to welcoming our founding Year Seven students in September, as they start their exciting educational adventure with us. We are building a school community where young people can flourish through our cooperative values and student leadership."

Thames Park Secondary School is the newest member of the Osborne Cooperative Academy Trust, which is made up of 12 primary and 3 secondary schools, educating more than 6,000 pupils.

Chair of the Trust, Trisha Jaffe, said: "I pay tribute to the incredible team in the Osborne Cooperative Academy Trust who, for four years now, have worked so hard to ensure the school is ready to open its doors. We are thrilled that Thames Park Secondary School has joined our community of schools and we look forward to seeing the students in action."

Mike Fall, Chair of Governors, commented, "Our specialism in digital technologies will enable us to empower our students in innovative ways for the future. We have been delighted by the support of the education team in the council with temporary accommodation, whilst our state of the art new school is being built."

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Cllr Andrew Jefferies Thurrock Council's cabinet member for education said: "Thames Park Secondary School being given the go ahead to open is wonderful news for young people in the borough. This will be a great setting which will support our secondary school students to learn, develop and achieve in Thurrock."

The new school will open on Monday, 7 September 2020 in central Grays, for Year Seven students. In line with the latest guidelines, the school has extensive plans in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of students as well as staff, alongside the delivery of the highest quality education provision.

Also see: [L]https://thurrock.nub.news/n/school-playing-area-to-be-created-in-heart-of-grays