A new “state-of-the-art” school built for more than 1,450 children but never used is to be demolished because of structural issues.
Matford Brook Academy, in Exeter, was set to be opened for classes three years ago, but delays have forced the leaders to set up a “village” of temporary classrooms next to the school site.
Now, parents have been told by the school that a review has found the permanent building “does not meet the required building standards in its current form” and will need to be rebuilt.
The decision was made by the Department for Education, which brought in construction firm Kier Group to investigate after the collapse of primary contractor ISG in 2024. A new contractor will now be appointed to deliver the rebuild.
The school building was valued at £30.6m by construction sales firm Glenigan, according to Construction News.
In the letter to parents, Tim Rutherford, deputy chief executive of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, and Emily Simpson-Horne, headteacher of the school, said: “Although this is not the news we had hoped for, and we understand that you may be disappointed, it does provide a clear way forward for our community.
“Whilst there is still much detail to understand, we’re pleased to now have a path forward towards our next chapter, and which results in the best school possible.”
In the meantime, the school is expanding its collection of temporary buildings to meet the growing number of pupils from September. It has been reported that pupils will remain in the temporary buildings until at least 2028.
Bird’s-eye images of the school, which sits within a new housing estate, show the permanent building blocks surrounded by walls, with the temporary site next to it.
The new school was described as “state-of-the-art” in a press release issued by the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust ahead of construction, with facilities including a theatre, two recreational halls and a dedicated dining hall.
Lib Dem councillor Alan Connett, whose ward the school is located in, 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.”
Sir Mel Stride, who is the shadow chancellor and was in government when the school contract was awarded, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “While I welcome the fact staff, parents and pupils now have more clarity on the future of the school building, serious questions need to be answered about how a brand-new building could be deemed unfit before it has even been 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 spokesperson said: “The safety of children is our top priority, which is why we are rebuilding Matford Brook school.
“Pupils are currently being taught in temporary accommodation, and we are working closely with the school to ensure there is no disruption to pupils’ day-to-day education.”
The Independent approached Matford Brook Academy for comment.
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