News | Thurrock Council

Celebrating Commonwealth Day

9 March 2026

Thurrock Council joined people and groups across the world today (Monday 9 March) to raise the flag for Commonwealth Day.
The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day proudly unites 56 countries – almost a third of the world's population – in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.
The event, held outside the Civic Offices in Grays, was attended by Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, and Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall.

Thurrock pupils celebrate World Book Day

5 March 2026

The book mad children of Kenningtons Primary Academy in Aveley helped launch National Year of Reading in Thurrock on World Book Day (Thursday 5 March).
This year has been designated National Year of Reading and Thurrock Libraries has plans to get everyone reading with campaigns aimed at children, teens and adults.
The school was the winner of the Summer Reading Challenge School Shield last year. Kenningtons had 33% of its pupils complete the challenge. Many of the students dressed up as their favourite literary character for World Book Day.

“It was meant to be”: Fred and Rick share their journey to fatherhood through adoption

3 March 2026

To celebrate LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week (Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March), we spoke to Fred and Rick about their journey into fatherhood, and the advice they’d give to other couples who may be exploring adoption.
For Fred and Rick, their path to becoming parents wasn’t quick or simple, but it was, in their words, “the best thing in the world.” The couple have been together for more than a decade, and from the very earliest moments of their relationship, they realised the topic of family was something that was something of shared importance.

Over three quarters of pupils starting secondary school in Thurrock this September will be going to their top choice school

3 March 2026

Nine out of 10 pupils starting secondary school later this year will attend one of their top three choices, with a whopping 76% getting a place at their first preference school.
There were a total of 2,453 pupils that applied for secondary school places in the borough for the upcoming academic year.

Thurrock celebrates the incredible dedication of its foster carers

2 March 2026

Foster carers from across Thurrock came together on Friday 27 February for a special celebration recognising the vital role they play in supporting some of the borough’s most vulnerable children and young people.
The annual Foster Carer Celebration Event and Awards Ceremony was once again held at Ye Olde Plough House in Bulphan, where carers were thanked for the important work they do to provide Thurrock’s looked-after young people with a stable, loving home.

Thurrock chosen as one of seven local authorities to lead major government pilot

27 February 2026

Thurrock has been selected as one of only seven local authorities across England to take part in a landmark national pilot bringing new financial support and improved services to kinship carers.
Over £126m has been confirmed to support up to 5,000 families across the seven local authorities during the pilot, which will help to support family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends who step in to raise a child when their parents cannot.

Families across Thurrock benefit from early learning programmes

27 February 2026

Families across Thurrock can access a range of early learning programmes designed to strengthen their child’s communication, language and early numeracy skills.
Thurrock’s Family Hubs are offering evidence-based programmes such as Early Words Together and Peep Learning Together (PEEP), which help parents and carers feel more confident supporting their child’s development through simple, everyday activities like talking, playing and sharing books.

Nominations open for the 2026 SEND and Alternative Provision Awards

27 February 2026

Thurrock Council is delighted to announce the return of the SEND and Alternative Provision Awards for 2026, celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Alternative Provision across the borough.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the awards are back once again to shine a spotlight on inspirational individuals aged 0–25 who demonstrate resilience, determination, creativity, and progress in their everyday lives.

International Women's Day - We welcome you to our events on Wednesday 4 March

26 February 2026

We are marking International Women's Day with a range of different events in our Civic Offices, on Wednesday 4 March between 10am - 2pm.
The day will include an inspiring panel discussion in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, exploring this year’s theme: 'Give To Gain'. This event brings together a diverse panel of local leaders and changemakers to discuss the urgent steps needed to drive progress in gender equality and empower women in our communities.
Everyone is welcome and you can book your place here:

Thurrock Council Budget approved for 2026/27

26 February 2026

investment in key areas while delivering £13.9m in savings in the coming year.
Yesterday’s Budget Council meeting also approved a Council Tax increase within government limits of a 2.99% increase and a further 2% adult social care precept. This approach reflects the position facing most councils across the country. For a Band D property this is an increase of £1.73 a week, or £89.73 a year, on the Thurrock Council element.