A small rural school in the heart of the Wolds Valley is set to be auctioned off next month, with a guide price of £125,000 - £150,000.
Weaverthorpe Primary School, in North Yorkshire, was forced to close its doors in August 2022 after receiving a failing Ofsted report.
The voluntary school, which had only 21 pupils at the time of its closure, was deemed ‘inadequate’ following an inspection in 2020.
Despite overwhelming support from the local community and urgent pleas from parents to politicians for intervention, the school was ultimately considered too small to be viable. As a result, The Diocese of York announced its plans to sell the site earlier this year.
With 16 primary schools having ceased operation in the last six years, the sale of Weaverthorpe Primary adds to the growing concern over school closures in North Yorkshire.
During a council meeting in September, Andrew Smith, the Director of Education for the Diocese of York, raised concerns about the future of schools in the county. He warned that declining student numbers, financial challenges, and slipping educational standards may result in more closures.
Having served as a key hub for the rural community, Weaverthorpe School will now be sold through an online auction on 22nd January.
The Old School, Weaverthorpe, North Yorkshire, YO17 8ES
Former Village school | Guide price: £125,000 - £150,000 [more info]
With planning permission already approved, its successful sale could see the detached former school building transformed into two residential houses.
Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire commented: “This unique project enables developers and private buyers the opportunity to create two individual properties in a rural location that can be used for either holiday accommodation or permanent homes.”
The future development of the school into residential properties is subject to a condition, which stipulates that potential homeowners must have resided in the parish for a minimum of three years or have a significant association with the local community due to occupancy restrictions.
Prospective buyers wishing to transform the building into holiday cottages will also have to adhere to restrictions, such as ensuring that the duration of any stay does not exceed 31 days within a given year.
With the future of the old school uncertain, the village’s 360 residents will hold their breath in anticipation for auction day.
Councillor Femi Shellard, chair of Weaverthorpe Parish Council previously commented: “Something needs to happen with the building and the land. It’s unlikely that it can be used for education again so therefore it being developed for homes for families to live in the community is probably the best we can hope for now.”
The Old School goes up for sale by online auction with Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire on Monday 22nd January.
Full planning consent was granted by North Yorkshire Council on 13th November 2023 under application number ZE23/01597/FUL
