Students to return as promise school plans rebuild after fire

According to the BBC, the blaze destroyed 100% of the school’s roof and first floor, and 80% of the ground floor, according to Devon and Somerset Fire Service.

Since the fire, staff have been preparing learning packs which were hand-delivered to affected families. Some devices have also been provided to ensure pupils can continue lessons online where needed. Headteacher Quentin Gunderson described the logistics of delivering packs to students from across the county as “a challenge,” but praised parents for their support.

“The response from families has been incredibly encouraging. I feel we will come through this stronger,” he said.

Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust said short-term online learning would continue while contingency plans are developed with Devon County Council and the Department for Education.

Gunderson added that the school is considering temporary sites to keep pupils together on the same campus. “We have a few solutions which we will be able to share in the coming days,” he said.

While rebuilding will be a long process—the original school took two years to complete—Gunderson expressed optimism. “We have the opportunity to build an even better school than before,” he said.