‘State-of-the-art’ £31m school to be demolished without being used by pupils
A new “state-of-the-art” school built for more than 1,450 children but never used is to be demolished due to structural problems.
Matford Brook Academy in Exeter was scheduled to open for classes three years ago, but delays forced leaders to set up a “village” of temporary classrooms next to the school site.
Now the school has told parents that an inspection found the permanent building “does not meet required building standards in its current form” and will need to be rebuilt.
The decision was made by the Ministry of Education, which appointed construction firm Kier Group to investigate the bankruptcy of main contractor ISG in 2024. A new contractor will now be appointed to carry out the reconstruction.
The school building is valued at £30.6 million by construction sales firm Glenigan. accordingly Construction News.
Tim Rutherford, deputy chief executive of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, and principal Emily Simpson-Horne said in a letter to parents: “While this is not the news we were hoping for and we understand you may be disappointed, it provides a clear path forward for our community.
“Although there are a lot of details to understand, we are pleased that we now have a pathway that allows us to move towards the next stage, resulting in the best school possible.”
Meanwhile, the school is expanding its collection of temporary buildings to accommodate increased student numbers from September. It was reported that students will stay in temporary buildings until at least 2028.
Located within a new housing estate, bird’s-eye views of the school show permanent walled building blocks and adjacent temporary space.
New school described as “state of the art” press release published It will be equipped with facilities including a theatre, two lounges and a private dining hall prior to construction by the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust.
Alan Connett, Liberal Democrat councilor for the school’s district, said: “In my view, how a brand new, never-used school is being demolished raises a lot of questions about the management and control of this contract.”
Sir Mel Stride, who was shadow chancellor and was in government when the school contract was signed, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Whilst I welcome the fact that staff, parents and pupils now have greater clarity about the future of the school building, serious questions need to be answered about how a brand new building could be deemed inappropriate before it is even used.
“I will do everything I can to support the academy and ensure these issues are resolved as quickly as possible.”
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Children’s safety is our top priority, which is why we’re rebuilding Matford Brook school.
“Students are currently studying in temporary accommodation and we are working closely with the school to ensure there is no disruption to students’ daily education.”
Independent He approached Matford Brook Academy for comment.
