School building built by ISG to be torn down without ever being used

By Dave Rogers2026-07-10T12:43:00

Structural problems have plagued Devon job forcing DfE to go for rebuild over repair

A new £31m school built by ISG and subsidiary ESS will be demolished and rebuilt, the government has said.

Matford Brook Academy near Exeter in Devon opened in 2023 but no pupil has ever set foot inside the main building due to structural problems.

Now the Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed fixing it is not possible and it would be better to tear it down and start again.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community