Uncertainty over future of old school
It has been more than three years since Culverhay School, which became Bath Community Academy, closed its doors, but the fate of the old school site remains uncertain.
The old school building and sports centre, which is at the heart of the community in Twerton, Whiteway, Southdown and Odd Down, is being used by various companies but so far no final decision has been made regarding its future.
At the time of closure in July 2018, it was widely thought Bath Spa University would take over this prime location but that does not seem to be happening.
The council insists the site will continue to be used for education and not sold for development.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for children and young people, communities and culture, said: “It is a cabinet priority to explore vocational and alternative educational provisions on the site.
“Bath Spa University has vacated the site but has been party to the vocational and alternative education discussions.
“Consultation with education leaders in these specialist fields is currently under way.”
The building is still being used and while discussions are continuing various bodies have been leasing parts of the premises on a short-term basis:
■ The school hall and much of the ground floor is being used for filming and set production by a production company
■ The science building formerly occupied by Bath Spa University is also currently being used by the film production company for similar purposes
■ The bungalow, which was the special educational needs centre at the old school, along with much of the remaining parts of the ground floor, is being used to train young people in vocational education under the Bristol-based academy Learn@
■ One of the former Bath Spa University blocks is currently being used by the Hindu community for a spiritual centre and place of worship
■ The sports centre is leased to GLL, the charity which runs Better gym facilities at the Culverhay site and Bath sports and leisure centre
■ The rest of the buildings on the site are occupied by the council’s heritage services.
The closure of this school was very controversial and feelings still run high.
Threatened with closure in 2011, it was taken over by Bristol-based Cabot Learning Federation and became Bath Community Academy in 2012.
Pupils, teachers, parents and members of the community came out in force to demonstrate against the closure.
It was felt that it was a really important school for children from areas like Twerton and Whiteway, who now have to take buses to other schools around the city.
Many feel strongly about the future of this school, which has been so much part of the community in this part of Bath, with generations of the same families attending Culverhay.
Residents will be watching closely as the council negotiates its future.
❝ It is a cabinet priority to explore vocational and alternative educational provisions on the site... Consultation with education leaders in these specialist fields is currently under way Councillor Dine Romero