![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303474809-3731.jpg\")
\n\t\tMatford Brook Academy in Exeter is to be demolished following several concerns over the building\u2019s structure (Picture: DevonLive\/BPM Media)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tMatford Brook Academy in Exeter is to be demolished following several concerns over the building\u2019s structure (Picture: DevonLive\/BPM Media)<\/p>\n
A school<\/a> built for millions of pounds in 2021 is to be bulldozed due to concerns over the building\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n Not a single class has been held at Matford Brook Academy\u2019s new building since it opened in Exeter in 2023.<\/p>\n Pupils have taken lessons in temporary accommodation after a report to the Department of Education found the building to be non-compliant with modern safety standards.<\/p>\n The new building, in the middle of a large housing estate, was left partially constructed after the contractor appointed went bust halfway through the project.<\/p>\n Problems were then flagged about the building\u2019s foundations, with claims that it was also missing critical structural bolts.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up for all of the latest stories\t\t\t<\/p>\n Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates<\/a> newsletter or get Breaking News<\/a> alerts the moment it happens. <\/p>\n A subsequent review by construction group Kier found the building would have to be dismantled and redesigned in order to address several safety problems.<\/p>\n In a letter sent to the school by the Department for Education last week, it was confirmed that the current structure would be razed to the ground and replaced with a newly designed building.<\/p>\n It said: \u2018This decision has been taken to provide a clear and dependable route to delivering a high-quality, fully compliant school environment for pupils,\u00a0staff,\u00a0and the wider community. Work is already underway to plan the next steps, including appointing a trusted contractor with a strong\u00a0track record\u00a0to deliver the rebuild.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018We want to reassure you that the DfE<\/a>\u00a0remains\u00a0fully committed to completing the project and providing a high-quality, modern school building. The DfE will continue to work<\/a> closely with the Ted Wragg Trust and the school to minimise disruption and to ensure that pupils\u2019 education continues as normally as possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018Further detail on the programme, including expected timelines, will be shared once confirmed. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.\u2019<\/p>\n Headteacher Emily Simpson-Horne told parents she understood the decision would \u2018prompt questions\u2019.<\/p>\n She added: \u2018We are incredibly grateful for the patience and support shown by you and the rest of our school community. <\/p>\n \u2018A school is about far more than its buildings; it is the people who bring it to life every day. <\/p>\n \u2018The warmth,\u00a0ambitious vision\u00a0and sense of belonging created by\u00a0our pupils, staff and families are what make Matford Brook Academy such a special place.\u2019<\/p>\n As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the academy is not overseen by the local county council.<\/p>\n Councillor Alan Connett, a Liberal Democrat, said while he was \u2018delighted\u2019 a solution was being found, the saga raised questions about how the original contract was tendered.<\/p>\n He said: \u2018How 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.\u2019<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Matford](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303474810-be37.jpg\")
\n\t\tPupils have been learning in temporary buildings since the new facility was deemed unsafe in 2023 (Picture: DevonLive\/BPM Media)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Headteacher struck off after changing school dates to go on luxury cruise<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Full list of England schools letting pupils come in late after World Cup clash<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Children aged 11 are now taking part in military training at school in Russia<\/a><\/p>\n