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

A new £31m school built by collapsed contractor 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.

Isg

The school was built by ISG which went into administration nearly two years ago

Kier was asked earlier this year to assess the new permanent building but it found that it does not meet the required building standards and should be demolished.

The 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 school added: “The review found the building does not meet the required building standards in its current form and that it is not possible to resolve these issues to the required standard.

“The DfE has therefore decided that the best way forward is to replace the partially completed building with a new school building.”

Matford Brook said its existing students would continue to learn in the existing temporary accommodation.

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

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