Flooded Devon school to stay shut until September 2024

Work to repair Kenton school is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds

A village primary school devastated by floods three months ago, is unlikely to reopen before September 2024, say staff.

Kenton Primary School in Devon was one of many properties hit by flood water after heavy rain in September.

The school and its pupils have temporarily relocated to Hope Church in Dawlish while repair work takes place.

Head teacher, Lorraine Curry, said it had been a very challenging time for everyone.

"I think we've had time to adjust to the fact the school will not be repaired before September," she said.

One of the worst hit parts of the school was the classroom for Year 1 children.

Head teacher, Lorraine Curry, said it had been a challenging time

"It had a very warm feel to it - it was just lovely," said Ms Curry.

"It was a super environment for them and we only managed to keep that for a couple of weeks before the water came.

"It's something that will sit with all of us for a very long time."

The 60 schoolchildren are now settling into their new classrooms in spare space at the church in Dawlish.

On Tuesday, pupils will be performing a nativity play and singing carols at their temporary school.

"They've adjusted to the church," said Ms Curry.

"It's a lovely space with lots of exciting things going on at the moment.

"So I don't think they think about it [their school] all the time but when they're asked about it, that's when they get a bit sad, and they're very keen to come back."

Ivy Education Trust, which manages Kenton Primary School, said the repair work would be covered by the insurance.

It expects the total to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.