A new "state-of-the-art" building has at the Olive Alternative Provision Academy in Tilbury has officially opened, helping the academy to expand and welcome 120 new 11 to 16 year olds through its doors.

The project, which was given the go ahead by Thurrock Council in 2014, was designed by architectural and construction consultancy, Ingleton Wood based in Colchester and East London.

The multi-disciplinary design team worked alongside the staff and students at Olive Alternative Provision Academy to ensure the new building satisfied all their needs.

Stuart Norgett, partner at Ingleton Wood’s London office, said: “We’re thrilled to have been involved in such a great project. It’s very satisfying to see that our design team’s efforts have paid off and the new building is having such a positive impact on all who work there.”

Arwyn Thomas, chief operating officer at Olive Academies, said: "The move into the new state of the art building in Tilbury has given everyone a real confident boost. It gives pupils access to much needed facilities such as woodworking and computing, as well as fresh learning spaces to help ensure that they have the best opportunity to achieve their ambitions for the future.”

Jo Hill, headteacher at the academy, said: "It is an exciting time for the academy and with our fantastic new building I am confident that we can achieve great things. I want Olive AP Academy to be part of the local community; an inclusive academy which will allow young people to develop the skills they need to enjoy learning and give them the confidence and resilience to achieve success." 

Olive Academies is an academy trust which provides a broad curriculum and outstanding opportunities for young people who have been unable to succeed in their current educational setting, helping to return them to mainstream school.