Thurrock Trailblazer is an innovative programme of high quality arts and cultural activities, visits to heritage sites and specialist teacher training, that boosts creative learning in schools and accelerates pupils’ development. In partnership with Thurrock Council, the Royal Opera House is working with local, regional and national arts organisations to deliver cultural education in Thurrock.

Since 2014 Thurrock Trailblazer has worked with over 70 Cultural Partner organisations and has provided skills development for hundreds of teachers through over 700 training opportunities, including in leadership of arts and cultural learning. The programme has reached 49 schools - 90% of schools in the borough - with over 30,000 young people involved in Thurrock Trailblazer cultural activities to date.

"There's nothing quite like the Trailblazer programme... to have such a committed group of teachers in one room with a passion for cultural learning is quite unique."

Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England