Culverhay Demolition Approved as Funding Secured for Two New Special Schools in Bath

After a prolonged wait, Bath and North East Somerset Council has secured government funding to demolish Culverhay and build two new specialist schools on the site. Last year, the council approved plans to replace Culverhay with a 120-place special school—Green Ways Academy—and a 55-place alternative provision school—Sulis Academy. However, funding was previously frozen by the government, delaying progress.

Council cabinet member for communications and community, Manda Rigby, confirmed in a recent committee meeting that the late funding announcement allows these critical projects to finally proceed. She highlighted the benefits, stating these schools will provide essential specialist places for children and young people locally, reducing the need for families to travel long distances for appropriate education. This localized provision will also help the council reduce transport costs and promote sustainability.

Currently, a shortage of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) spaces in Bath and North East Somerset forces the council to transport children as far afield as Somerset, Bristol, and Wiltshire. The delay in funding sparked political attention, with Bath MP Wera Hobhouse questioning Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions in December. Hobhouse emphasized the difficulties faced by families with vulnerable children due to the prolonged freeze.

Starmer responded by committing to progress the funding and addressing shortcomings in the SEND system through national reform efforts, including increased investment in new places and family support services.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Hobhouse praised the advocacy that helped secure it but noted that more reform is necessary. She pledged to monitor the upcoming SEND white paper to ensure it delivers meaningful change for vulnerable children.

Local Odd Down councillor Steve Hedges, representing the Culverhay area, expressed relief and optimism. He noted the community’s long-standing commitment to reopening the site for educational purposes and the positive impact the new schools will have in cutting down the long journeys children currently endure.

Since Bath Community Academy closed in 2018, the council has retained the Culverhay site for future educational use. The secured funding now sets the stage for its transformation into vital new facilities serving the local SEN community.