Government Axe Plans for new High School in Tiverton

PLANS for a new high school in Tiverton have been scrapped by the government.

Today, education secretary Michael Gove announced the scrapping of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, saving £1bn - £20 million of which was earmarked for our town. The school is among 706 nationwide to be axed.

The new school would have had performance space — a theatre area, which could be shared with enthusiastic local performing talent. The school hoped to share ideas with local drama groups to lead to a better design.

The current school on Bolham Road has reached maximum capacity, and it was hoped a new school would allow more students to learn in a building designed for the 21st Century.

High School Head Andrew Lovett said “It

is obviously hugely disappointing news.  It will feel to the students

and staff that Michael Gove has turned his back on the young people

of Tiverton and on their families.  He has chosen to spend the

limited money available for investing in education on academies and

so-called ‘parent supported’ schools.  We already have a ‘parent

supported’ school in Tiverton; it’s the High School and he should

have invested in that."

“We had plans for a school which would

meet our young people’s needs as the 21st century

progresses. 

This is undoubtedly a massive setback but it will not stop us continuing

down the road of transforming our school. We will continue to develop

our practice.

"Whilst we won’t have the buildings we will continue

to have a terrific staff, a committed and supportive governing body,

the backing of the community and, most importantly, the best set of

students on the planet.”

Devon County Councillor Des Hannon has written to Mr Gove to express 'incredulity'

at his decision to scrap the planned £20million renewal of Tiverton

High School.

Councillor Hannon says the Tiverton decision shows that, in

government, both Labour and Conservatives ignore Devon. He added: "Tiverton is a

typical market town serving a big rural area. We're not after a trendy

free school. That's a pricy fad for London's chattering classes. We

simply need a school building fit for our students and teachers to

thrive. It should have been an easy choice for Mr Gove but he has

flunked the Tiverton Test."

Hannon, deputy leader of Devon's Liberal Democrat group,

continued: "Yesterday's speech offered some hope that funds might be

salvaged outside the BSF scheme. If that's the case we need answers

quickly. Tiverton's need is real and plans are in place. The last thing

our students need is to be sent to the back of the queue yet again."