Matford Brook Academy in Exeter, a school built for millions of pounds in 2021, is set to be demolished due to safety concerns without ever having held a single class. The building, which opened in 2023, has remained unused after a Department for Education report found it non-compliant with modern safety standards. Pupils have been learning in temporary accommodation since the school's opening.
Construction Woes and Structural Issues
The new building, located in the middle of a large housing estate, was left partially constructed after the appointed contractor went bankrupt mid-project. Subsequent inspections revealed problems with the building's foundations and missing critical structural bolts. A review by construction group Kier concluded that the structure would need to be dismantled and redesigned to address several safety issues.
Department for Education Confirms Demolition
In a letter to the school last week, the Department for Education confirmed the current structure would be razed and replaced with a newly designed building. The letter stated: '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.' The DfE added that it remains 'fully committed to completing the project and providing a high-quality, modern school building.'
Headteacher's Response
Headteacher Emily Simpson-Horne acknowledged the decision would 'prompt questions' but expressed gratitude for the community's patience. She said: '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.'
Questions Over Contract Management
As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the academy is not overseen by the local county council. Liberal Democrat Councillor Alan Connett raised concerns about the original contract tendering process, stating: '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.'
