A NEW academy is set to open in Thurrock - within the grounds of another school.

The Harris Federation has signed a deal with the Department for Education for the Harris Academy Riverside will open in September this year.

The federation is made up of various academies across the UK and Thurrock including Harris Primary Academy Mayflower, Mayflower Road, Chafford Hundred.

The new academy is set to open in an area of the newly-built Harris Primary Academy Mayflower.

The plan is for the school to then move to a brand new building in Purfleet in September 2019.

Nicky Graham, who will lead the academy as Executive Principal of the academy and Harris Academy Chafford Hundred (HACH), will work closely with Andrew Betts who has been appointed as Head of Academy at Harris Academy Riverside.

Ms Graham said: “With Harris Academy Chafford Hundred so oversubscribed, we are all delighted to be able to offer more places and we are looking forward to opening later this year.”

Mr Betts, said: “This Funding Agreement is a massive leap forward in our journey to opening. Parents who have applied will be delighted to know that the academy is now guaranteed to open. We look forward to educating local children to the highest standards.”

Harris Academy Riverside has a limited number of Year 7 places available and is accepting applications until Friday March 17.

Applications can be made at harrisriverside.org.uk/