OA-North View (OA-NoV) has officially celebrated its opening at a special event on the 15 May 2026.
Our new alternative provision (AP) independent school for boys and girls in Years 7 to 11 has been established to meet Thurrock’s growing need for high-quality provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who require additional support to succeed in education and beyond.
The event was attended by Michele Lucas, Assistant Director Education and Skills at Thurrock Council, and Jen Craft MP, alongside representatives from Olive Academies. Guests were given tours of the new facilities, led by pupils from the school’s first cohort, who proudly shared their experiences of OA-NoV and spoke about the curriculum and daily life at the school.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the burial of a time capsule beside the school building. The capsule includes letters written by the first cohort of pupils, reflecting on what OA-NoV means to them and their hopes for the future. A commemorative plaque now marks its location, with the capsule set to be unearthed in 30 years’ time.
Guests also had the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the school’s vision and its role in strengthening specialist education provision across the borough.
At OA-NoV, we provide a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment where children and young people can build confidence, develop resilience and thrive. At the heart of our school is a strong therapeutic core, built upon three pillars:
- Outstanding education – providing a broad curriculum, including Maths, English and Science alongside Art, Design Technology and Outdoor Learning, with a focus on both academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Excellent support in local school – through outreach, reintegration support and guidance to help staff work effectively with pupils who need additional support.
- Exceptional training and professional development – enabling professionals across the region to better understand and respond to pupils’ needs.
Our curriculum is designed to give pupils real-world experiences, deliver high-quality teaching, provide constructive feedback, develop leadership skills and nurture a culture of respect.
OA-NoV will also serve as a hub of expertise, enabling schools across Thurrock to access tailored interventions, share best practice and benefit from training to strengthen their capacity to meet the needs of pupils requiring extra help.
This new provision reflects the longstanding collaboration between Olive Academies and Thurrock Council, demonstrating a shared commitment to early intervention and building capacity to ensure pupils who need additional support can thrive.
“I’m delighted to see OA-North View open its doors. This school is the result of our strong partnership with Thurrock Council and will give pupils in need of additional support a safe, nurturing space to grow and thrive. I’m grateful for the trust and collaboration shown by colleagues in making this vision a reality.”
Mark Vickers MBE, CEO of Olive Academies
“It’s been wonderful to welcome our first pupils. OA-North View is about more than just education - it’s about creating the right environment for young people to feel supported, understood and ready to achieve great things.”
Kerry Geary, Head of School
“OA-North View demonstrates our longstanding partnership with Olive Academies and our shared commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with SEMH needs. I’m incredibly proud of what this facility stands for - a promise to our young people that they matter and can achieve their potential.”
Thurrock Council
“It was a pleasure to attend the opening of OA-North View. This new school will play a vital role in meeting the needs of students in Thurrock who require additional support, giving them the opportunity to thrive. The students I met on Friday were a credit to the school and its staff, and I look forward to following the school’s positive impact for young people in our community.”
Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock