Exeter school expands facilities with new specialist subject spaces

Students at a new Exeter school are benefiting from purpose-built spaces for a range of specialist subjects.

Matford Brook Academy, on Garrison Road, has expanded its facilities this year to include specialist spaces for subjects including design technology, photography, and drama.

A larger nursery and a new assembly hall also form part of the expansion.

The school, which opened in 2023, received its first Ofsted inspection in June this year, where it was reported the school “met the expected standard” in every area assessed.

Emily Simpson-Horne, headteacher at Matford Brook Academy, said: “We are delighted to see our pupils enjoying our expanded accommodation, giving our growing school more space for teaching, learning, creativity, and play.

“The new facilities are a great addition to our school and provide dedicated spaces for our youngest pupils as well as our primary and secondary students.

“As a school, we continue to provide a broad curriculum from sports to photography and drama, alongside our growing personal development offer to support our pupils to be the author of their own story and develop into confident, kind, and community-minded young people.

“We are very grateful to our pupils, families, and staff for their continued support, and it has been lovely to welcome new pupils to the school this September.”

Matford Brook Academy forms part of the Ted Wragg Trust - a group of 18 schools across Exeter and the South West. 276 pupils aged 2 to 16 are currently enrolled at the school, which has capacity for around 370, according to data from the UK Government.

Tim Rutherford, managing director of the Ted Wragg Trust, added: “Matford Brook has continued to flourish both as a school and as a community, and it is fantastic to see students making the most of these high-quality new spaces.

“The expansion gives the school a strong foundation for its next chapter, with more opportunities for students to learn and enjoy school life.”