Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE) has taken an important step in the development of College House by bringing together local organisations, community representatives, staff, governors and students for the inaugural Community Panel meeting.
The first meeting took place on Thursday the 18th of June at the Barnfield Campus Library, marking a significant milestone in the school's vision to create a vibrant, welcoming space that serves both the school and the wider Crediton community.
Chaired by QE Communities Lead, Tamlyn Fraiquin, the panel has been established to ensure local voices are at the heart of plans for the future of College House. The group will meet regularly as the project develops, providing opportunities for community members to share ideas, discuss priorities and help shape how the historic building can best serve future generations.
Redeveloping College House represents a unique opportunity for Queen Elizabeth's School to strengthen its role as a community focused organisation and continue to deliver high-quality teaching in purpose built spaces. The ambition is to create inclusive spaces where people can connect, learn, create and thrive, while preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Grade II listed building.
The meeting featured interactive discussions centred around two key questions: why members wanted to be involved in the panel, and what they hoped College House could become in the future.
Participants shared a wide range of aspirations for the building, including community arts facilities, drama and rehearsal spaces, youth provision, spaces for community groups to hire, learning support, storage for community organisations, music facilities, and spaces that promote wellbeing, creativity and social connection.
Many attendees spoke passionately about the importance of creating an accessible, welcoming environment that helps to strengthen community cohesion and address gaps in local services.
A particular highlight of the meeting was the contribution made by QE students, whose ideas and perspectives were praised by panel members. Several attendees described their input as "fantastic", recognising their involvement as invaluable and a reflection of the school's commitment to ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in shaping projects that will impact their future.
The Community Panel will continue to play an important advisory role throughout the development of the project and will help ensure community perspectives are considered and reflected in future plans.
The initiative reflects QE’s commitment to being rooted in its community, working collaboratively with local partners and investing in facilities that benefit not only students but the wider town.
As plans progress, the school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, looks forward to sharing further updates and continuing the conversation with the community about the future of College House. The next Community Panel meeting is expected to take place in the autumn.
Ms Paula Smith, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said:
"This first Community Panel meeting marks an exciting milestone for both the school and the wider community. College House has enormous potential, not only as an important part of our heritage but as a space that can bring people together for generations to come.
"It was inspiring to hear so many thoughtful ideas from local organisations, community representatives and our students. Their contributions reinforced the importance of creating a space that reflects the needs, aspirations and creativity of the people it will serve.
"We are committed to working collaboratively with our community as plans develop and ensuring that College House becomes a welcoming, inclusive and valuable asset for Crediton."
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