Somerset MP Seeks Funding for Replacement of ‘Shoddy’ School

A Member of Parliament for Somerset is urging the government to provide financial resources for the reconstruction of a secondary school, described as “shoddy,” at a completely new location. This appeal follows the allocation of £1.4 billion for school rebuilding initiatives in the most recent Budget. Haygrove School, situated on Durleigh Road in Bridgwater, had sections of its premises shut down in August 2023 because of defective construction. Subsequently, teaching has been conducted in temporary facilities. Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Bridgwater, has previously brought this matter to attention during Prime Minister’s Questions and in a “sympathetic” discussion with Stephen Morgan, the schools minister. A representative from the Quantock Education Trust, responsible for the school’s management, stated that they “appreciate” Sir Ashley’s actions. An assessment conducted by the Department for Education (DfE) determined that Haygrove’s primary building, erected in 2020 by Caledonian Modular—a company that ceased operations in 2022—was hazardous due to problems with its structural integrity and “poor workmanship.” The abrupt closure resulted in some students missing instruction or needing to attend lessons at alternative venues before temporary classrooms were established. Sir Ashley commented that the school has experienced “considerable upheaval” since the closure, which he cited as the reason for his conviction that the facility should be reconstructed at a different location. He stated, “Rebuilding the school on its existing site would cause significant disruption to both pupils and staff.” Notwithstanding its partial shutdown, Ofsted assessed the school as “good” in April, and its leadership and management team received an “outstanding” rating. During her inaugural Budget on 30 October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared £1.4 billion for the DfE’s school rebuilding initiative, alongside an additional £2 billion designated for routine upkeep. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Sir Ashley indicated he is maintaining close communication with the department and intends to persist in his efforts to “push for a solution that will benefit the children and staff of Haygrove for years to come.” He further affirmed, “I retain committed to ensuring that Haygrove School gets the new, safe, and modern building it needs.” The spokesperson for the Quantock Education Trust additionally stated: “We are committed to working closely with the Department for Education and the local authority to find a sustainable, purpose-built solution that will benefit students, staff and families of Bridgwater for years to come.”