QUEEN Elizabeth’s School has held two public drop-in events to ask people what they think of modernising a key building for use by the school and community.

People who went along to the drop-in sessions at the Boniface Centre in Crediton on Thursday, January 15, and Saturday, January 17 learned about QE’s “early thinking” around repairing and refurbishing College House for arts education.

The Grade II listed building is located at the school’s Western Road campus. It was built in 1859 in the Gothic Revival architectural style.

QE is currently split across two sites: Western Road and its Barnfield campus around one kilometre away on foot.

The plans for College House come as part of the school’s investment in both school sites to “provide students with a nurturing learning environment”, and a “long-term ambition” to unite the school onto one location in the town.

But the school has stressed that “it is still working in partnership to find the best solution for all stakeholders and no decisions have been made on the location of the one site”.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently embarking on the repair and refurbishment of College House and are at the early stages of exploring options for its future use, in line with its heritage status.

“Part of this vision is to provide arts education for the school and community.

“Arts education improves academic performance, builds confidence and supports the social development of young people.

“Following our parent and community events, alongside gathering student feedback, we'll be reflecting on all the ideas shared to help shape our proposals for College House and design a space that enables high-quality education and responds to local need.”

If you were not able to attend the sessions but want to find out more, email: [email protected].