The Blue School in Wells has confirmed that its Kennion Building will remain closed until at least September 2025, following a setback in securing funding for essential safety repairs.

The block was initially closed in early 2023 after extensive cracking was found in the concrete floor beams of the 1950s-built structure.

This discovery led to a thorough investigation, including load-testing, which confirmed that the floors could withstand more weight than originally expected without compromising structural integrity.

However, the necessary remedial work extends beyond the initial concerns. Surveyors uncovered additional issues, and the school has been working with the Department for Education (DfE) to determine the full scope of the repairs.

The initial plan was to begin work in the autumn term of 2024, hoping to reoccupy the Kennion Building in early 2025. However, headteacher Mark Woodlock has now confirmed that the timeline has been pushed back due to the DfE rejecting a major portion of the school's urgent capital funding bid.

Despite repeated assurances that the funding would be approved, the bid was turned down in December. Woodlock described the decision as a surprise, particularly given that structural engineers, surveyors, and fire safety experts all agree that the building should not be reoccupied until critical repairs are completed.

The school is now submitting a new funding application, intending to start repairs after the summer 2025 exam period to avoid disruption for Year 11 and Year 13 students. If successful, the Kennion Building could reopen in September 2025.

For now, temporary classrooms in Kennion Village will remain in use.

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"I would very much like this issue to be resolved by the start of the new academic year so that we can all move forward," he wrote in letter to parents. "Most importantly, I hope this explanation demonstrates that we will not compromise the safety of students and staff."