Welcome from the Head of School
Welcome from the Head of School
It is with great pride that I mark my twelfth year as Headteacher of The Gateway Academy. Each day, working with the young people of Thurrock is both a privilege and a joy.
At The Gateway Academy, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, guided by our core values of Responsibility, Resilience, Compassion and Aspiration. We expect both staff and students to bring passion and energy to all they do, helping to foster a community that is diverse, inclusive and fair. Through exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care and a wealth of resources, we empower our students to realise their full potential. Our commitment to removing barriers to learning remains unwavering—ensuring that no student is ever left behind.
Our curriculum, praised by Ofsted as outstanding, is designed to support every learner in achieving success across all areas of life. From Languages, Engineering and Design Technology to Performing Arts and Physical Education, our students are encouraged to pursue their talents, interests and ambitions.
For our higher-attaining students, the Grammar Band provision provides the challenge and support needed to reach the very highest levels of academic success and our 2026 GCSE results show exactly what that looks like. One in five of all grades awarded across the Academy was a grade 7, 8 or 9, with a significant number of subjects including Maths, English, Science, Spanish, Dance, Drama, Business, Art, History, Geography, Psychology, Sports Science and Hospitality performing above the national average at the very top end. For example, in Maths, 26% of students secured a grade 7 or above, against a national figure of 17%. Grammar Band students were at the heart of this record-breaking year. Their exceptional progress reflects the drive and determination that is the hallmark of Gateway learners..
That success, however, belongs to every one of our learners. 2026 was the strongest year in the Academy's history across the board: an Attainment 8 score of 49.93 against a national average of 46.1, 72% of students securing a standard pass in English and maths compared with 64.8% nationally, and sixteen subjects performing above the national average at grade 4+ and 5+. Whatever their starting point, our young people leave Gateway having achieved more than they believed possible and that, above all, is what we are proudest of.
Our Academy continues to thrive. Academic progress, student attendance, staff retention and staff attendance all exceed the national average. Our teachers are highly skilled professionals, deeply passionate about their subjects, with a retention rate above 85%. Our teacher training programme is also widely recognised as one of the very best in Thurrock
We are renowned for our strong family ethos and our emphasis on hard work and discipline. Visitors are always welcome to experience our vibrant and ambitious Academy first-hand. At The Gateway Academy, we are resilient and relentless in our pursuit to improve upon our best, ensuring every student receives an outstanding education.
"The teachers are extremely helpful and friendly. I feel truly privileged to be a part of this Academy." A Gateway Student.
"….the focus on the wellbeing and care of your young people stands out as being extraordinary. Children come first at The Gateway Academy and their individual needs are a priority. The attention to detail on the wellbeing and progress of each individual student is at the heart of your success. The ethos and atmosphere is warm and friendly and it is clear that there are strong relationships between staff and students and staff are always prepared to go the extra mile for the young people in their care." Kenny Frederick IQM Assessor.
"The GLC community is an amazing community big on safeguarding, care, and understanding and is also ready to improve and help. I love the fact they are big on culture and core values. They genuinely want their students to excel in their education and also be responsible, compassionate, and resilient. I am proud of how far the GLC community has come." A Gateway Parent.
