The long-awaited redevelopment of Sidmouth CE Primary School's Manstone Avenue site is finally to go ahead, after the Department for Education approved plans for a revised scheme.

It is a 'scaled-back' project, but has been welcomed by the school's headteacher and the First Federation Trust which runs Sidmouth Primary. 

Planning permission was granted in 2021 for an expansion and redevelopment of the site, which the Department for Education had agreed to fund in 2020. This scheme included a new hall, staffroom, ancillary accommodation and learning resource area, along with the refurbishment of the existing building to create an extra classroom. There was also a new two-storey block, a new library and a multi-use games area.

That project was delayed for various reasons beyond the trust’s control. The First Federation Trust says it has 'since been revisited, with plans being altered to meet the school’s current needs'. 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive of First Federation Trust, said: "Unfortunately, due to a major inflation of building costs over the years, the original project has been scaled back. Despite this, we are confident we will still be able to provide a fresh and modern, indoor and outdoor space which will meet the current needs of our pupils, staff and parents. Doors and windows will be replaced to meet current thermal regulations and we will have everything else we need to ensure we continue to provide the best quality of education."
 
Since the closure of the buildings on Manstone Avenue, the school has operated over two fully functioning sites at Vicarage Road and Woolbrook Road. The long-term plan is to close the Vicarage Road site once the redeveloped Manstone Avenue site is open.

Alex Spraggon, Head of School at Sidmouth CE Primary said: "The works will bring many benefits to our school community and the new facilities will enhance teaching and learning experiences for our children. I want to take this opportunity to commend all associated with the school for their resilience and adaptability during the period when we have operated without Manstone. Despite the challenges, we have managed well across the two sites, maintaining the high standards of education and care that our school is known for. I understand the delays have caused frustrations, however with the confirmation of the building works, we can now look to the future with optimism and excitement." 
 
Simon Jupp, Conservative MP for East Devon, said: "As a local resident of Sidmouth, I am really pleased that plans to build a brand-new building and facilities for Sidmouth Primary School have the green light to continue, with government approval and new funding to take the project forward. After working alongside the Sidmouth Primary School’s leadership, Cllr Stuart Hughes, and Education Ministers, I know how much the redevelopment of the Manstone Avenue site is really needed and I'll do everything I can to get this project completed. I want to pay tribute to the efforts of all those involved in securing this great news for Sidmouth."