Education leaders and Thurrock Residential Developers Partnership call for action to address skills

Thurrock Residential Developers Partnership (TRDP), South Essex College and Grays Convent High School have called for action to address the skills gap in the borough and ensure our young people benefit from Thurrock’s growth potential.

In Thurrock, the real impact on residents includes 7,400 households on the Housing Register and according to the latest government data, 311 Households in Temporary Accommodation, including 475 children. There has also been significant growth in numbers of concealed and overcrowded households as the inevitable effect of the lack of provision of homes has fuelled a sharp increase in house prices and unaffordability for locals and those wanting to move within the borough. As house prices increase and the number of houses being built remains low, there is less incentive for high skilled teachers to come to the borough and address the skills gap.

The reports, commissioned by TRDP have also found a net shortage of more than 1,200 primary and secondary school places further reflecting where Thurrock is falling behind. However, the combined housing delivery power across the partnership could potentially generate a £90million contribution to Thurrock’s education provision or the equivalent of 13,189 school places. TRDP, along with schools in the area, identifies housebuilding as part of the solution to unlock more school places, attract new teachers and ensure our young people have the best opportunity to thrive.

Andy Millard, Chair of TRDP, said:

“There are clear consequences of housing under-delivery in Thurrock. More children are living in temporary accommodation and homes are increasingly becoming overcrowded. New housing brings a range of tangible benefits for local people including physical infrastructure from schools and health centres, to having the option to move out of their family home and live locally near their family and friends.

Thurrock has a bright future with potential job growth of 35,000 by 2040. We now need to ensure that it is Thurrock’s young people that benefit from this growth. By working together, the public and private sectors can plan to ensure the long-term benefits of economic growth are enjoyed by everyone who lives and works in Thurrock.”

Penny Johnson, Headteacher at Grays Covent High School, said:

"Housing infrastructure is crucial for Thurrock's education sector. Many pupils and families in Thurrock face significant challenges, with a growing number of students living in temporary accommodation. Students are compelled to seek further education outside of Thurrock, the lack of good quality housing hinders staff recruitment within the area, and limited access to out-of-school facilities compounds the issue. The school is happy to support locally led sustainable development."

Kevin McCooke, College Principal at Thurrock College, South Essex College, added:

"Thurrock College is a state-of-the-art £45 million facility offering cutting edge services in the heart of Grays. But the lack of suitable accommodation makes it challenging to recruit and retain staff and is hindering our ability to become an employer of choice in the borough as well as directly impacting enrolment targets.

When students and their families cannot find affordable housing, they are more likely to miss school or drop out altogether. Overcrowded or substandard housing deprives students of study spaces, making it difficult for children to learn and thrive. When people have access to safe, affordable housing, they are more likely to be engaged in their community and to support their local schools and colleges. This can create a positive cycle that benefits everyone who lives and works locally.”

TRDP is working with local stakeholders including Thurrock Council, schools, health providers and businesses to support growth and ensure the borough has the long-term infrastructure it needs to retain the benefits of growth locally and realise the boroughs full potential.