Parents have spoken of their devastation and anxiety after a fire tore through their children’s specialist school, leaving families fearing for the future of a “lifeline” many fought hard to secure.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the blaze at the Promise School was accidental. The investigation was carried out on Sunday, February 23, while firefighters continued to dampen hotspots. No injuries have been reported.
The fire was first reported on when flames and dense black smoke engulfed much of the school’s roof. At its height, 25 crews from across Devon and Somerset attended and worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze.
The Promise School is a SEND school catering for up to 100 children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Since the fire, parents have expressed concern about the impact the disruption will have on pupils unable to attend mainstream schools.
Rachel and Quentin, CEO and principal of The Promise School stated after the fire: “We’ve been truly moved by the incredible outpouring of support for The Promise School during such a difficult time. Your kindness has wrapped around our whole team as we begin to process the loss of our lovely school.
“We feel so fortunate to be part of such a caring and generous community. Thank you for every message, gesture, and offer of help. It means more than we can say.
“We remain in close contact with our families and children and, together, we’ll rebuild, recover, and keep the spirit of our school alive.”
Devon County Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member with responsibility for services that support children with special educational needs and disabilities, said the authority would do everything it could to support the school.
“This has been a deeply upsetting incident for children, families and the whole school community, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” she said.
“We recognise how unsettling it must feel to face this level of disruption so suddenly.
“The Trust is leading the response, and we are working side‑by‑side with them to support the next steps and help ensure children can continue their education safely.”
Parents took to social media to both express their praise for the community, and devastation at what had happened.
Kat Carthew, whose child has attended the school since it opened, described the strength of feeling among families.
She said: “As a parent of a child who has attended the Promise School since it opened, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the incredible support and help for those of us affected.
“For us, it’s not just a school, it’s a lifeline, it’s a place that accepted our children with high educational needs, it’s a place that they belong.
“The teachers worked incredibly hard with my son, and they never gave up on him. And we are beyond devastated.
“We now have the worry of what the future holds for our children because it’s a huge battle to get these placements.
“We live in Tiverton but are so amazed by the support the Okehampton community is offering.”
Elizabeth Wilson, who also has a child at the school, said she understood “the struggles we now face and how everyone will be feeling”.
Jackie Sheppard said her son had yet to grasp the scale of what had happened.
She said: “I’m not sure my son has taken it all in yet, he just thinks it will all be back to normal soon, and he just gets an extra holiday off school.
“My son’s been there nearly two years, and without the promise, I don’t know where he would be.”
Victoria Heal said the uncertainty had left her feeling anxious.
She said: “As a fellow parent of a Child at Promise, I agree with everything you’ve said. I’m anxious as mum and anxious for my son to attend this very unpredictable time.
“It took us a long time to find the right school, and it’s been amazing. The teachers have worked so hard supporting all the children in the school.
“Hopefully, we can all support ourselves and our children through this difficult time.”
Shelley Corners said her son had travelled daily from Chudleigh to attend the school since it opened.
She said: “My son also attends this school. Absolutely shocked as to what’s happened.
“We live in Chudleigh hes travelled every day since it opened. He had personal belongings, including his electric guitar, there, but the main thing is no one was hurt or in the building and thank goodness it wasn’t on a school day.
“Still in shock, exams approaching, and the school were helping him with work experience coming up as he wants to be a barber.
“Everything is just uncertain now, and I feel so sorry for all affected. Regardless of any negative comments, this is a huge deal to SEND children as it’s a change and a routine now we have to cope with.”
Parents have also expressed concern on social media about the disruption to education for children with additional needs, many of whom secured places at the school after what families describe as lengthy and difficult processes.
