Skills

Education and skills development is at the heart of the vision. The area has vocational centres of excellence in logistics, electrical engineering, media technology, engineering, and sport, and is developing new Academies to drive excellence in schools.

Already Southend has invested over £50m in a landmark campus for the University of Essex and South East Essex College in the heart of the town centre. This campus is now delivering results with a 40% increase in applications.

There are plans for a further £100m of investment in schools and colleges across the area, with Building Schools for the Future and an LSC and HEFCE capital programme providing the basis for new schools, colleges and university places in Basildon, Thurrock and Castle Point.