A school built for millions of pounds in 2021 is to be bulldozed due to concerns over the building’s safety.
Not a single class has been held at Matford Brook Academy’s new building since it opened in Exeter in 2023.
Pupils have taken lessons in temporary accommodation after a report to the Department of Education found the building to be non-compliant with modern safety standards.
The new building, in the middle of a large housing estate, was left partially constructed after the contractor appointed went bust halfway through the project.
Problems were then flagged about the building’s foundations, with claims that it was also missing critical structural bolts.
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A subsequent review by construction group Kier found the building would have to be dismantled and redesigned in order to address several safety problems.
In a letter sent to the school by the Department for Education last week, it was confirmed that the current structure would be razed to the ground and replaced with a newly designed building.
It said: ‘This decision has been taken to provide a clear and dependable route to delivering a high-quality, fully compliant school environment for pupils, staff, and the wider community. Work is already underway to plan the next steps, including appointing a trusted contractor with a strong track record to deliver the rebuild.
‘We want to reassure you that the DfE remains fully committed to completing the project and providing a high-quality, modern school building. The DfE will continue to work closely with the Ted Wragg Trust and the school to minimise disruption and to ensure that pupils’ education continues as normally as possible.
‘Further detail on the programme, including expected timelines, will be shared once confirmed. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.’
Headteacher Emily Simpson-Horne told parents she understood the decision would ‘prompt questions’.
She added: ‘We are incredibly grateful for the patience and support shown by you and the rest of our school community.
‘A school is about far more than its buildings; it is the people who bring it to life every day.
‘The warmth, ambitious vision and sense of belonging created by our pupils, staff and families are what make Matford Brook Academy such a special place.’
As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the academy is not overseen by the local county council.
Councillor Alan Connett, a Liberal Democrat, said while he was ‘delighted’ a solution was being found, the saga raised questions about how the original contract was tendered.
He said: ‘How on earth a brand new, never used, school is being demolished begs many questions about the management and oversight of that contract, in my view.’
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