Former pupils and teachers of the now-closed Culverhay School in Bath recently had the opportunity to tour the empty building as they prepared to say their goodbyes before its demolition later this year.
The school, which has a rich history dating back to 1956, is set to be replaced by Green Ways Academy, a new special school designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Mick Rose, who attended Culverhay during the 1960s, shared his reflections on the visit: “This school is special, that’s why I wanted to come and have a look round. I’ve been looking forward to it and it was really worthwhile. It was nice to go around and see all the old rooms like motor engineering – we took the car engine apart and put it back together. I remember we used to drive the car around the two playgrounds and that’s how we learnt to drive.”
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Originally opened as Westhill Boys' School, the institution was renamed Culverhay School in 1971. Facing challenges with declining pupil numbers, it underwent another name change to Bath Community Academy in 2012. Despite having capacity for over 700 students, the academy had only 241 pupils in 2017, leading to its closure in 2018.
Des Hayward, an alumnus with a personal connection to the site through his father, a stonemason involved in the school’s construction, described his experience as “bittersweet”: “It gave me the chills going round. It’s a double-edged thing because of my dad’s connection to the school. I have two grandchildren with special educational needs; one currently attends school in Midsomer Norton, so it will be nice when the new school is built to have a proper facility nearby, reducing travel.”
Councillor Paul May of Bath and North East Somerset Council also attended the tour. He remarked, “Culverhay has been part of Bath’s story for generations, and it’s clear from today’s visit just how much the school meant to those who passed through its doors. It has been wonderful to see former pupils, teachers and staff reconnect, share memories, and reflect on the impact the school had on their lives. There is a real sense of affection for this place. We have worked tirelessly to retain education on this site.”
He added, “We made a public commitment some time ago and are delighted this scheme is starting with the demolition of the old, inappropriate buildings, allowing detailed analysis and design to begin for the 120-place special school.”
Due to high demand, a second tour for former Culverhay pupils and staff is scheduled for Thursday, 27 August and is already fully booked.