Basildon's designation as a New Town in 1949 transformed education across the district. As new housing estates appeared around Pitsea, schools had to be built close to the new neighbourhoods. The result was a major expansion of both primary and secondary education during the 1960s and 1970s.
Chalvedon School opened in 1965 and was the first purpose-built comprehensive school in the Basildon district. Located in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea, it became one of the area's major secondary schools and eventually included sixth-form provision.
Northlands Infant School and Northlands Junior School opened in Winifred Road in 1968. They were created during the period when new housing and infrastructure were rapidly reshaping Pitsea. In September 2015 the two schools amalgamated as Northlands Primary School and Nursery.
The development of the Felmores neighbourhood created another need for local primary education. Felmore County Primary School served this expanding part of Pitsea and later operated as separate infant and junior provision before being brought together again as a primary school.
Briscoe County Infant and Junior Schools opened at Felmores End in 1977 to serve housing then being built in the Felmores area. The two schools were later amalgamated, becoming Briscoe Primary School and Nursery in 2002.
Eversley County Primary School also opened in 1977, in Crest Avenue. Like Briscoe, its opening reflected the continuing growth of Pitsea's residential neighbourhoods during the later New Town years.
These schools were not isolated developments. They formed part of neighbourhood planning in which homes were supported by schools, shops, open spaces, roads and community facilities. For generations of residents, the school buildings became some of the most familiar landmarks of the estates.