The Department for Education has confirmed plans to rebuild Exeter School following the collapse of its primary contractor, ISG, in 2024. After the contractor’s failure, the government enlisted Kier Group to assess the situation and explore options. Based on their findings, officials determined that repairing the school was not viable, and a full reconstruction will now be undertaken.

The original school building was valued at approximately £30.6 million, according to figures from construction sales firm Glenigan. A new contractor will be appointed to carry out the rebuilding project, though no specific timeline for the completion of the construction has been announced.

In a letter addressed to parents, Tim Rutherford, deputy chief executive of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust—which oversees Exeter School—and Emily Simpson-Horne, the school’s headteacher, acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the delay but emphasized that the decision provides a clear plan for moving forward. They expressed optimism about delivering a high-quality facility for the school community.

Meanwhile, Exeter School is expanding its use of temporary buildings to accommodate increasing pupil numbers starting in September. Reports indicate that students will continue to be based in these temporary classrooms until at least 2028 while the rebuild is underway.

The government has reiterated that rebuilding the school is the only feasible way to secure a safe and effective learning environment for the future. Plans for appointing the new contractor and details of the rebuild timeline are expected to be shared as the project progresses.