The Promise School in Okehampton could transfer to another academy trust early next year, subject to successful completion of due diligence.

Wave Multi Academy Trust, which specialises in SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and alternative provision, is currently assessing the risks, costs, benefits, assets, and liabilities before formally taking on the school, which is currently run by the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT).

A DMAT spokesperson said: “Wave’s specialist SEND expertise has already been supporting curriculum and provision improvements, and should this transition proceed, we’re confident it will deliver sustained progress and enhanced outcomes for our students.”

In February this year, the Department for Education (DfE) South West Advisory Board approved a proposal for The Promise School to transfer to Wave MAT, which has been supporting the school since April 2025. That support was formalised in June 2025 after Ofsted decided to place the school in special measures.

The February 2026 DfE report stated that Wave MAT “has a strong record of high-quality SEMH [social, emotional and mental health] and complex needs provision” and “the transfer will secure high-quality, sustainable SEMH provision and enable the school to realise its original vision of providing a safe, aspirational environment where pupils can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.”

DMAT said its focus is currently on securing temporary accommodation for the school following the devastating fire in February this year, which destroyed the school building.

The spokesperson added: “Following the recent fire, our immediate priority is ensuring the medium-term accommodation is completed for children to utilise from January 2027. We’re also creating specialist teaching spaces for science and food technology in the current contingency building so children can use it upon their return to school in September.

“We’ll continue to share updates as arrangements develop. We would also like to thank our students, parents, staff and community for all of their support in recent months.”