New state-of-the-art school to replace Tipton St John Primary confirmed

A new, state-of-the-art school to replace Tipton St John Primary School has been confirmed today by the Department for Education.

Today’s announcement follows successful campaigning by East Devon MP, Simon Jupp, to include flood risk in the criteria for the government’s flagship School Rebuilding Programme.

The current school site in Tipton St John has seen numerous incidents of flooding over the years. The Environment Agency and Department for Education have previously warned of a risk to life.

The new state-of-the-art school, at a site yet to be finalised, will help meet growing local demand for school places.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: “This is fantastic news and I’d like to thank everyone involved, particularly Devon County Council, the Diocese of Exeter, and Tipton St John’s headteacher Colin Butler, who retires this week. Colin is a local hero for all of his efforts to ensure children will finally get a new state-of-the-art school to replace Tipton St John Primary School. Pupil safety must be paramount as plans are developed to find the best site for the new school. I am really pleased this Conservative government has recognised the need to invest in education in East Devon with a brand new school to help meet growing local demand for school places. I’ll continue to work closely with the community as the plans develop.”

Colin Butler, Executive Headteacher of Tipton St John Primary School, 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. 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.”

Cllr John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “I am delighted with the news today that this school is finally going to be rebuilt. It is long overdue and I pay tribute to all those involved in this project. I want to give a special thank you to Simon Jupp, the Member of Parliament for East Devon, for all of his hard work. He has lobbied tirelessly for this project since becoming the MP for the area, it is a great result for the school, staff, children and local community.”