MP's praise for new Gateway Academy

THURROCK MP Andrew Mackinlay recently enjoyed a tour of the borough’s new school – the Gateway Academy.

Mr Mackinlay, accompanied by his wife Ruth and local councillor Carl Morris, visited the school several times during its construction but this was the first opportunity they had to see it in action.

And, after meeting principal Kevin Sadler, vice-principal Cheryl Hill and many youngsters on a tour of the school, they were very impressed.

Mr Mackinlay said: This is really excellent. There are lots of very good things going on and the pupils can work in a perfect environment in which they can flourish.

“It is an inspirational school and its leadership is taking it in the right direction.”

Councillor Morris, who was one of the architects behind the creation of the school when he served as portfolio holder for education, said he was very proud of what the Gateway had achieved.

Formed out of a merger between two struggling schools, Torells and St Chad’s the Academy initially ran on two sites in Grays and Tilbury, but the new building at Marshfoot Road, Tilbury, opened earlier this year.

“I’m very proud of the school,” said councillor Morris. “It is good to see how it has developed from our concept in 2002. I’m very optimistic for its future.”