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11

May 2021

Last Updated: 10/05/2021
Education
Education

Kell Bank school prepares to celebrate the end of an era

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 11 May, 2021
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The primary school near Masham, which has just six pupils and will close in summer, is calling for former pupils to share their memories as part of a bid to celebrate its 200-year history.

kellbanksized
The former Kell Bank Primary School.

A celebration tinged with sadness is to be held to mark the closure of a 200-year-old primary school near Masham this summer.

Kell Bank Church of England Primary School can accommodate up to 50 pupils but currently has just six.

Because of dwindling numbers, North Yorkshire County Council has issued a closure notice, which means the school will close permanently on August 31.

Staff want to celebrate the school's history and, as part of this, are asking people to come forward with their memories and old photos for a commemorative newspaper.

The school has also put out a call to find the oldest former pupil. It is hoped whoever it is will join the youngest pupil at a ceremony in July.

All submissions for the celebration need to be in by June 11.

Laurie Hoyes, a school governor, said:

"Kell Bank School was founded in 1820 to provide an education for the local children of Fearby, Healey and the surrounding villages.
"This wonderful local school, ideally placed to learn from nature, has excelled and achieved so many accolades during its long, educational journey and has provided a safe environment and vast source of knowledge to generations of local people.
"The celebrations in July will be tinged with great sadness, as Kell Bank is to close at the end of the summer term."


Ms Hoyes, alongside other members of the school community, hopes the exhibition will highlight the key role the school has played in local people's lives.




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