Tiverton High School: get on with it

Lib Dem calls for action to rebuild

A Devon MP has called on the new education secretary to finally commit to rebuilding Tiverton High School.

The school was one of the main talking points during the summer’s Tiverton & Honiton by-election, won by Liberal Democrat Richard Foord who accused the Conservatives of neglecting the area – something the party denied.

Mr Foord has now written to new education secretary Kit Malthouse to demand action on the long-awaited rebuild, highlighting how the project has been discussed by Tory-led governments for more than a decade.

It began in 2010 with a commitment to visit the school from then-education secretary Michael Gove and again came to the fore during the by-election campaign, with every candidate backing a new school.

After the result, then-education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, tweeted: “New buildings for Tiverton High School was a big issue in the Tiverton result. We hear you; delivering on real issues like this should be our focus.”

In July, a further 61 schools across the UK were told they would receive funding as part of the government’s school rebuilding and refurbishment programme, in addition to 100 already announced.

However, Tiverton has not yet been included, despite a widespread acceptance that the school should be rebuilt. Many buildings are in a poor state of repair and its location on a floodplain next to the River Exe makes it unsafe, according to the Environment Agency.

The government says it has not ruled out more schools being selected as part of the rebuilding programme, and that “further announcements will be made in due course.”

But noting that there have been “four occupants of your role in as many months,” Mr Foord has urged Mr Malthouse to agree to meet with himself, representatives of the school and local campaigners to begin work on a plan to deliver the new school.

Commenting on his letter, the former army major said: “The people of Tiverton have had enough of broken promises from this Conservative government.

“Time and time again we’ve been promised a new school, yet at every turn we’ve been forgotten about and are forced to watch our school crumble while funding is directed elsewhere.

“We’re hearing a lot from the government about growth and yet they are neglecting one of the key drivers – education. Ensuring that our children receive the quality learning environment and skills needed will ensure they are ready for the careers of the future.

“It’s time for action, not more warm words and empty promises. That’s why I hope the education secretary will agree to come to Tiverton, see the situation first-hand, and have an honest discussion about how we ensure our children get the school they deserve.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The safety of pupils and staff is paramount. We have allocated over £13 billion since 2015 to improve the condition of school buildings, including £1.8 billion this financial year, in addition to the school rebuilding programme which will transform 500 schools over the next decade.

“Devon County Council is responsible for the school and receives annual funding to keep its schools safe and in good working, including £3.8 million this financial year through the school condition allocation.”

Devon’s cabinet member for schools, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter (Conservative, Wearside and Topsham), said: “We support the proposal to relocate Tiverton High School away from its current site and have identified it as a priority for the government’s schools rebuilding programme.”