More than 200 former pupils, teachers and staff are returning to Culverhay School this summer for a final look around the site before the buildings are demolished and work begins towards creating a new SEND school.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is holding two days of guided tours, giving former members of the school community the chance to revisit the corridors, classrooms and playgrounds of the former Rush Hill school.
The site is set to remain in educational use as the future home of Green Ways Academy, a 120-place Special Free School for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The new school forms part of work to increase the number of specialist school places across Bath and North East Somerset, helping more children and young people access appropriate education closer to home.
Memories of life at Culverhay
The first tours took place on 6 August, with visitors sharing memories of friendships, favourite teachers and sporting achievements from more than six decades of school life. Former pupil Mick Rose, who attended Culverhay during the 1960s, said, “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.”
Former pupil Des Hayward said the visit was particularly poignant because his father, a stonemason, had helped build the school. He added that he was pleased the site would continue to provide education, particularly as he has two grandchildren with special educational needs.
A new chapter for the site
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said, “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 the people 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.”
He said the council had worked to ensure the site remained in educational use and welcomed the start of plans for the new 120-place special school.
The tours were open to former pupils and staff aged 18 and over, with places allocated through advance booking. A second day of tours on 27 August is already fully booked, offering more former pupils and staff one final opportunity to revisit Culverhay before the site begins its next chapter.
