A newly constructed school in Exeter is set to be demolished less than a year after its completion, prompting questions about the circumstances leading to this decision. The school, known as Matford Brook Academy, is located within a recently developed housing estate and was initially described as “state-of-the-art” by the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust prior to its construction. The original design included a theatre, two recreational halls, and a dedicated dining hall.

Despite these modern features, images show the permanent school buildings surrounded by walls, with pupils currently attending classes in a temporary facility adjacent to the site. The decision to rebuild the school has raised concerns among local officials and politicians.

Alan Connett, a Liberal Democrat councillor representing the ward where the school is situated, expressed bewilderment over the situation. “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,” he said.

Sir Mel Stride, shadow chancellor and the government official in office when the school’s contract was awarded, acknowledged the confusion surrounding the building’s condition. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Stride said he welcomed the clarity now provided to staff, parents, and pupils but insisted that “serious questions need to be answered about how a brand-new building could be deemed unfit before it has even been used.” He added that he would assist the academy in resolving the issues as swiftly as possible.

The Department for Education (DfE) emphasized that pupil safety is the top priority. A spokesperson confirmed that the school is being rebuilt and noted that students are being taught in temporary accommodation in the meantime. The DfE stated it is working closely with the academy to minimise disruption to students’ education throughout the process.

Efforts to obtain comment from Matford Brook Academy were made but no response was provided at the time of publication. The reasons for the building’s deterioration or structural issues have not been publicly disclosed, leaving many questions about the school’s future and the management of its contractor.