About Us

William Edwards School was named after Mr. W. H. Edwards who had spent much of his working life involved in Education and local government in Thurrock, for which he received an MBE in 1948.

The school first opened its doors to students on 11th September 1962. Under the guidance of Mr. R. H. Saxton, the first Headteacher, 100 Year 8 pupils transferred to William Edwards from other secondary schools in the area and on the following day, they were joined by 162 Year 7 pupils making the move from local primary schools.

In 2002, the school gained Sports College status and in 2004, William Edwards became a Training School. In December 2010 and then again in March 2017, the school received an ‘Outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted.
The academic year 2012-13 marked the 50th anniversary of the school’s opening, so William Edwards School has been serving the local community for 55 years. During this time, the school has also achieved Academy converter status, Platinum Artsmark status and numerous sporting awards. We are continually looking for ways of working more efficiently and effectively with local schools and the community which we serve.

We look forward to working with you.

Deborah Hulme-Sheffield
Assistant Head Teacher