About the Campus

The Thurrock Learning Campus is a new generation of education, led by South Essex College of Further & Higher Educatione - formed from the merger of Thurrock and Basildon College with South East Essex College. Together with a number of other highly successful further and higher education partners such as Palmers College, Anglia Ruskin University, The University of Essex and The University of East London, the Thurrock Learning Campus is here to open new doors to a range of exciting careers.

The Thurrock Learning Campus was initially proposed by partners as part of a major review of skills and learning provision across Thurrock and was subsequently identified by the Development Corporation in its Grays Town Centre Master Plan, which seeks to boost the town’s economic future.

Opened in January 2009, the Campus offers specialist courses up to Level 3 (equivalent of A levels) along with adult and specialist business training. The results for its first completing young students in September 2009 were fantastic, with a 100% pass rate! Because of the growing demand for skilled young people, all of the courses have been specially developed to help young people open a door to a better career in the region.

This £4.4million campus, close to Grays train station, is a purpose-built modern college with all the latest facilities.

The Campus totals 2,400m² and can accommodate hundreds of learners for specialist training. To accommodate more learners, and meet the needs of young people in the area, Level 1, 2 and 3 courses will start in both January and September each year.

The Campus also offers 150 evening and weekend courses for adults, professional training and apprenticeships. Eventually, it will also offer Higher Education. This plan was outlined in the ‘Better Days for Grays’ consultation document published by Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation in 2007.

"This is a significant step towards realising our vision of a new Further and Higher Education Campus in Thurrock offering high quality, work-related education."
Jan Hodges, Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College

The area

Essex has the second fastest growing economy in England. The Thames Gateway South Essex is part of the largest regeneration project in Western Europe.

Whilst there is plenty of opportunity for young people, Thurrock has some of the lowest 16-18 participation rates in learning in England. Progression into Higher Education is lower than the county, wider Thames Gateway area and national averages.

The Thurrock Consortium brings together high quality specialist further and higher education providers who are committed to working together to strategically plan and deliver education and skills to meet the needs of individuals and businesses in the Thurrock and wider Thames Gateway area.

"The Thurrock Learning Campus is a key part of the Development Corporation’s regeneration strategy for Grays. This is a stepping stone to what will be a state of the art place of learning that will enable young people to gain the skills they need to compete for jobs in Thurrock’s growing and diversifying economy"
Will McKee, Chair of the Thurrock Development Corporation

Thurrock Learning Campus Briefing Sheet - PDF