Improving the provision and choice available in our schools is one of my key priorities.

I have been pleased to support so many of our schools to become academies and I am especially pleased to have been supportive of  the creation of new free schools in Thurrock.

I was especially pleased to support the campaign of the Chafford Hundred parents to get more primary school places for their children and delighted when Harris agreed to get involved and sponsor a new school.

I saw at first hand the anguish of parents unable to get their children into good schools close to where they live.

I was pleased the Government agreed to fund the Harris Primary Free School, which will open next September in Chafford Hundred. But we can’t stop at a primary school. We need more secondary provision in West Thurrock, too.

We already see heavy pressure on the best secondary school places. For example, last year, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred received 282 first choice applications for the 180 places it had available.

And it means that if you live in the west part of the borough, your choices are very limited.

I live in Purfleet and I have to send my son to school in Stanford-le-Hope, not my first choice. So, I am again delighted the Harris Federation has listened to parents and decided to see if there is enough support to convince the Government a new secondary school should be built in the Chafford Hundred area.

This school would give new choice for families in Grays and West Thurrock. However, it is support from parents that really matters and the proposals for the new school will not get the go-ahead without it. We will fight for it but we need your support.

The new school would open in September 2015. Many of you will be looking for a place for your child then. To show your support for the new school please register on the website www.harrischaffordnewsecondary.org.uk or e-mail me at at jackie.doyleprice.mp@parliament.uk

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