Hollybush Primary School has had a significant impact on the lives of its pupils, their parents and the wider community. As well as education for mainstream learners and those with special educational needs, Hollybush provides a wide range of community services including an ICT suite, childcare and a health centre.
Following a review of primary education in 2002, Education Leeds decided to close two under-subscribed primary schools in the Bramley ward in the west of the city, a socially deprived area with a poor built environment and limited access to services. The closed schools would be replaced with an innovative new school that would support the wider community and foster a sense of local pride and unity.
Opened in 2005, Hollybush Primary School accommodates six year groups, two reception classes, an early years centre and rooms for school and community use. The school’s West Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) provides education for eight children with complex learning, physical and medical needs. The Hollybush Children’s Centre offers childcare for three-to-five year olds, enabling more parents to take up employment or training opportunities. There’s also a community room which hosts a mother and toddler group and the school’s breakfast and after-school clubs.
The building was designed by Leeds City Council’s architectural design services (now the Strategic Design Alliance) and built by Kier Northern. The development cost £4.36 million and funding sources included the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Awards for All scheme and a £280,000 grant from the Children’s Centre.
Topics associated with this project
Education, Planning, School, Training