THE CEO of the trust behind a new £10million school has highlighted the “great education” she received in Basildon as she promises to help the next generation of youngsters thrive.

The new Chapel Hill Primary and Nursery School, in Dry Street, is set to open in September 2024 as the £10 million construction of the school nears completion.

The school will provide places for 420 primary school and 56 early years children and is to be run by Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust.

Sue Jackson, the CEO of the Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust and headteacher of Lee Chapel Primary School, grew up in Basildon and has vowed to provide the same top-class level of education she received as a child.

She said: “I am delighted to report that the construction is going really well and will be completed in early July 2024, giving plenty of time for my staff and I to prepare for the opening of the school and nursery in September 2024.

“As a Basildon girl from very humble beginnings, I am in a job that I truly love because I was afforded a great education in Basildon schools. I am committed to every Basildon pupil in our Trust academies being given a similar outstanding education so that they too can realise their dreams.

“I am very excited about the new school and see it as another opportunity to give back to my home town.”

Construction began back in November and remains on track to be completed in early July.

Chapel Hill Primary and Nursery will be the locality “sister” to the much-loved Lee Chapel School, which was recently revealed to be the fifth hardest primary to get into in Essex.

Ms Jackson added: “Lee Chapel Trust has every intention of exceeding everyone’s expectations with this new school, creating a centre of educational excellence that will be another jewel in Basildon’s and ultimately Essex’ crown.

“We have a very clear idea of what the ‘outstanding’ provision will look like at the various stages of the school’s and nursery’s development, and we have the capacity and resources to achieve this.

“Our absolute focus is to provide the highest quality education for our pupils so that they really enjoy school, are safe, understand the importance of respect for others and are well prepared to live fulfilling lives as they complete their educational journey.”