Exmouth Community College (ECC) has received a £25,000 grant from East Devon District Council’s Carbon Action Fund (CAF) to upgrade the floodlights on its pitches to energy-efficient LED lighting. The school’s floodlit astroturf pitches are the only year-round facilities of their kind in Exmouth, widely used by local sports clubs, schools, and the wider community.

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, celebrated the installation with a launch event attended by Mayor Graham Deasy, governors, student ambassadors, trust staff, and councillors, with music performances by ECC students and speeches highlighting the project’s community and environmental impact. Exeter City player and former ECC student Sonny Cox, also came along as a guest of honour to officially open the revamped pitch and switch on the lights.

ECC estimates the LED upgrade will save around £7,000 a year, enabling them to reinvest in community access and activities. The upgraded facilities will enhance accessibility for all users, providing more inclusive opportunities to access sport for both students and the local community. At the launch event, Tom Inman, ECC headteacher highlighted the true impact of the upgraded facilities, with one partially sighted student now able to fully enjoy playing on the pitch thanks to the improved lighting.

The Carbon Action Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, which provides councils with central government funding to support local growth, community initiatives, and sustainable projects. 

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College said: “A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this possible and to all who joined us to celebrate the launch. I’m incredibly proud of our students, who performed beautifully during the event, and grateful to Exeter City player and former student Sonny Cox for officially opening our improved pitch. We’re delighted to have received this vital funding, enabling us to not just take meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint as part of commitment to sustainability, but also increase access to sport and invest in the pitch for our community.”

Elizabeth Lee, a governor at  ECC who attended the launch said:

 "These pitches are a true asset for Exmouth, providing opportunities for sport and strengthening community connections throughout the year. Seeing students and local clubs benefit from modern, sustainable facilities shows just how valuable these improvements are for everyone."