ONE of two new secondary schools in Thurrock to open this months, marked the arrival of pupils with an official ceremony this week.

Thames Park Secondary School, which will eventually relocate to new purpose built premises next to USP Palmers College, is currently operating from buildings in the centre of Grays that were previously part of South Essex College.

The new school is the newest member of the Osborne Co-Operative Academies Trust family of schools.

A key note speech at the opening ceremony was presented live from the House of Lords by Baroness Angela Smith – the former East Thurrock MP who has been a long-time supporter of the Trust.

Through a video link she said: "I wish you all the very best as you start this great adventure."

Among the guests who attended were borough mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo and education portfolio holder Cllr Andrew Jefferies who said: "We were all very impressed. You truly have a great school."

The founding year group of 120 pupils celebrated the opening of their new school with the newly formed choir singing, 'Blinded by your Grace', Alex Finch-Keran playing Ode to Joy and Miriam Ibiayo speaking confidently about the benefits of education.

In his opening address the school's headteacher, Kam Bains, told the audience, via Zoom and in the main hall: "We are here to provide an education for the whole person. Our school, with its diverse community, will be a place where everyone will belong, as we grow together'.

Year seven pupil, Aiden Dennis, who designed the names of the school houses, was invited by the Baroness to cut the ribbon in the final part of the ceremony.

The ceremony was viewed by many parents and supporters of the school online via Zoom. The school will be holding a virtual evening and parent tours for 2021 prospective pupils at the end of this month. Click here for further details.

Also opened this month was the Orsett Heath Academy in the grounds of Thurrock Rugby Club, which also offers 120 year seven places as the forerunner to the building of a new permanent school.