The Ockendon Academy has announced it will be the latest school to join the long-running, highly regarded Harris Federation.

The Harris Federation now has almost 30 years’ experience of running schools. There are currently 47 Harris academies in and around London.

Of the 20 secondary academies inspected by Ofsted so far, 19 have been judged “outstanding” - the other is rated “good”.

The Federation has had a presence in Thurrock since the opening of the Harris Academy in Chafford Hundred eight years ago.

The Ockendon school converted to an academy in 2011, but joining the Harris Federation hopes to see it “benefit from a great deal of focused support as it transforms the education on offer to students”.

The Harris Federation also runs Harris Academy Riverside, Harris Primary Academy Mayflower and Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred.

There are nearly four applications from families for every place available at a Harris Academy in Thurrock.

Ms Jo Rainey, headteacher at The Ockendon Academy, said: “The governors of The Ockendon Academy and I are thrilled to be joining the Harris Federation and know this decision will benefit our students, their families and our staff.

“The Harris family of academies have an established reputation of excellence and the distinguished expectations and achievements across the entire Federation are unrivalled. As an academy that is rapidly improving, joining the Harris Federation will propel us into a new dimension.”

Sir Dan Moynihan, Chief Executive of the Harris Federation, said: “With a long-standing and successful commitment to families in Thurrock, we are delighted that The Ockendon Academy has chosen to join the Harris Federation.

“We want to build on everything that is already great about the academy so that every student benefits from a truly excellent education.”

Jackie Doyle-Price, MP for Thurrock, said: “I am so pleased for the students and staff of The Ockendon Academy and know that they have an extremely bright future as part of the Harris Federation.

“Through the four other schools they run in Thurrock, all of which are highly successful.”