Work is underway on the Education Funding Authority's (EFA) £47 million priority school building programme (PSBP) in Devon.

BAM Construction has began building the £10m South Molton Community College and the £18m Ilfracombe Academy.

Work on a further two schools began last week (South Molton United Junior School, and Ladysmith Junior in Exeter), while final negotiations are continuing for Castle Primary School Tiverton.


Demolition works are underway at Ilfracombe Academy to deliver new facilities including a specialist arts school and sixth form.

Features include creating a modern 1,250 capacity school with a new science and technology facilities, a new sports hall as well as a separate hall capable of sitting 800 pupils.

South Molton Community College is underway with demolition completed and the structural frame now erected.

Graham Kingdon, Construction Director of BAM Construction Western, said: "We've worked very closely with the EFA, the schools and the wider stakeholders to design plans that suit each of these institutions, and deliver the right educational environment for their different needs. Some are still subject to planning approvals and final agreements."

(LM)