STAFF and students at the Olive Academy in Tilbury have offered their congratulations to Mark Vickers, chief executive officer of Olive Academies, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for his services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Phil Whall, Chair of the Olive Academies Board of Trustees said: "We are so proud of Mark and all that he has achieved. This year has been immensely challenging for schools, teachers, children and families. Mark continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of young people. His commitment to marginalised children is inspiring."

Mr Vickers said: "I feel immensely privileged to be awarded this honour and want to acknowledge our whole team who work so hard to make Olive Academies into such inclusive and dynamic learning communities for children and young people.

"I am so pleased that our work to improve the lives of the young people in our care has been acknowledged in this way. Our pupils are exceptional individuals, and it is truly humbling to have the opportunity to shape their futures."

Olive Academies is a multi-academy trust which specialises in supporting children at risk of exclusion and those who have been permanently excluded from school.

Mr Vickers established Olive Academies in 2013 with a group of educational leaders determined to improve the opportunities for young people who struggle to succeed in education.

The Olive AP (alternative provision) Academy in Tilbury, which was a succession to an academy established on the former CulverCentre site), opened its new building in July 2017. We cater for young people and children who have experienced difficulty in learning for a variety of reasons. It also offers support to students in mainstream schools who are experiencing difficulties and are at risk of exclusion.

The Academy has made a significant impact in its local community, engaging students with local residents.

Just before Christmas the Academy made a delivery of gifts and food to local lonely and vulnerable residents at nearby Lansbury Gardens.