THE second Thurrock Education Awards take place in November and council leader John Kent is already looking forward to them.

Following last year’s successful event, this year the cream of the boroughs education workers will gather at the High House Production Park in Purfleet to dish out gongs in categories including outstanding new teacher of the year and aspiring leader.

Mr Kent said: “Last year our first event was all I’d hoped for, celebrating all the wonderful things done in Thurrock’s schools; I’m sure this year’s will be better still.”

He added: “Over recent years we have seen many changes and much improvement in the local education system.

“But it is important to remember the council has been steadfast throughout that time in saying the education and support of all Thurrock children is paramount, and I am grateful for the support of all political groups on Thurrock Council.

“We have been incredibly successful in helping bring all our schools along on this improvement journey; we are still confident all our schools will be classed as good or better by Ofsted at the end of next year and these awards are an important part of that.”

The awards will be presented on Friday, November 20.