The long-awaited transformation of the Manstone Avenue site at Sidmouth CE Primary School is finally set to begin next month, with local firm, Skinner Construction, leading the project.

Work will begin next month after plans were approved by the Department for Education (DfE), which is funding the scheme alongside Devon County Council.

The redevelopment will see existing buildings replaced and renovated to create a modern space for teaching and learning.

Alex Spraggon, head of the school, said: “We’re really pleased to have a start date for the development works at Manstone and look forward to the benefits the new site will bring to our school and local community.

“Work is due to be completed by May 2026 and will consist of a modern new building and redeveloped area, both indoors and out.” Sidmouth CE Primary is part of the First Federation Trust, a multi-academy trust made up of 29 primary schools across Devon, Dorset, and Plymouth.

Paul Walker, chief executive officer of the trust, said: “We’re extremely grateful to DfE and Devon County Council for providing funding for this much-needed project and we look forward to working with Skinner Construction, a long-established Sidmouth-based company which was awarded the contract after we went out to tender.

“We pride ourselves in working with our member schools to do whatever is needed to improve pupil outcomes and work hard to enhance provisions for all.

“Sidmouth Primary is known for driving continual improvement and for offering children excellent opportunities, which this new site will continue to enhance.”