CAPTION: Campaigners have been calling for Tipton St John primary school to move to a new site for years
Two Devon Church of England Schools to Receive Government Rebuilding Funding
Two Church of England Primary Schools in Devon have successfully applied to be included in the Government’s school rebuilding programme.
Tipton St John Church of England (VA) Primary School , near Sidmouth, has a site which is currently at risk of serious flooding, which the rebuilding programme will address.
Swimbridge Church of England (VA) Primary School, near Barnstaple, is also experiencing challenges regarding its premises and has already secured a new site in the village for the school’s rebuild.
The school rebuilding programme is administered by the Department for Education.
“It’s such a relief to know that staff and pupils will never need worry for the safety of all every time there is heavy rain.” Colin Butler, former Tipton St John Executive Head
The rebuilding funding for Tipton St John and Swimbridge is the result of a bid by the schools, the Diocese of Exeter Board of Education and the Diocesan Property Department.
Colin Butler, who retired as Executive Headteacher of Tipton St John just last week, said: “This is wonderful news for the school and its long-term future. The children of Tipton and the surrounding area deserve a school building which is fit for purpose and provides a first class 21st century education.
“It is such a relief to know that staff and pupils will never need to worry for the safety of all every time there is heavy rain.
We have been working for many years to find a deliverable solution in locating the school out of the flood-prone site.
We are delighted that Tipton St John C of E Primary School has been included in the School Rebuilding Programme.
Team Effort
It has been a huge team effort and I would like to thank everyone that has been part of the journey in securing a positive future for Tipton St John Primary School.”
The Ven. Douglas Dettmer, Chair of the Diocese of Exeter Board of Education, said “This is wonderful news for two rural Church of England schools in Devon which have served their communities for generations.
“The Government’s decision to include Tipton St John and Swimbridge in its School Rebuilding Programme will address the problems of the current sites so that both schools can continue to serve local families for many years to come.”
Devon County Council has also welcomed the news.
The full details of the rebuilding funding and timescale will be published in due course.
