A new, state-of-the-art school is to be built to replace Tipton St John’s Primary School, which has flooded several times in recent years. 

The primary will be replaced, on a site yet to be finalised, under the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme, and will help meet the growing local demand for places. 

The news has been confirmed today (Friday, December 16) by the Department for Education. 

For many years Tipton Primary was automatically excluded from the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme because flood risk was not included in the funding criteria. Instead, the decision-makers prioritised the schools whose buildings were in the poorest condition. 

But after a public consultation last year, the Government accepted that other factors could be considered, including significant flood risk that poses a health and safety issue. 

The East Devon MP Simon Jupp also campaigned for the new school, and has welcomed today’s announcement. 

He 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 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.”