New but unused school to be demolished

A new but unused school is due to be demolished because of structural issues.

Matford Brook Academy, in Exeter, was built in 2021 and opened in 2023, but has never been used by pupils due to the problems.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Alan Connett said he had "serious questions" after the Department for Education (DfE) said it was not possible to repair the academy.

A spokesperson for DfE said an independent review of the building identified "fundamental issues", including problems with its foundations, meaning it did not meet the required standards. The decision will mean pupils will continue to have lessons in temporary buildings until at least 2028.

The DfE said the safety of children was its "top priority" which was why it was rebuilding the 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," they added.

Connett, councillor for Exminster and Haldon, said the school community had been waiting "far too long" to benefit from the new facilities and a lot of public money had been "wasted".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a spokesperson for Devon County Council added the cost of the construction of the building had come from the department, and it understood from the DfE its decision to demolish and rebuild was the "most practical way forward".

The academy is part of the Ted Wragg Trust and so it is not directly overseen by the county council, which has responsibility for education in the county.

Sir Mel Stride, who is the shadow chancellor and whose Conservative party was in government when the school contract was awarded, said: "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 spokesperson for Matford Brook Academy said while it was not the news its community had hoped for, it did provide a "clear way forward".

"Work is already under way to develop the next stages of the project and appoint an experienced contractor to deliver the rebuild," they said.

The DfE said a contractor with a "strong track record" would be appointed for the rebuild.

The school spokesperson said the expansion of its temporary accommodation would be completed by September which provided additional purpose-built spaces to support its growing school, while welcoming new students as planned.

"Throughout this process, our priority has always been the wellbeing and education of our pupils, and that remains unchanged."

They said it continued to work closely with the department and would keep families informed as plans developed to ensure their voices were heard.

"A school is about far more than its buildings, it is the people who bring it to life every day."

They added they were "incredibly grateful" for the patience and support shown by its pupils, families and staff.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.