An open-air school once meant exactly what the term implies. Brunlea “open-air” school is no longer exposed to the elements, but is instead an attractive, well-equipped building with modern facilities, contemporary décor and enough heat for comfort. The building was put up exactly eight years ago, but its predecessor, built overlooking the kitchen gardens of Bank Hall Hospital, lived up to its title in every way.
Originally, there was no artificial heating or lighting and the only form of ventilation was by opening the “windows”, constructed like stable doors. In time the windows became so warped that they could never be properly closed. Opened in 1918 the school had only two classrooms and catered for 40 children. The first headmistress was Miss Kate Newton and she had one assistant, Miss May Birtwistle.
The present Brunlea School caters for more than 100 children and the move to new buildings in 1961 was welcomed by the seven staff members and the present (1969) headmistress Miss. M. Shoesmith who had taught at the old school. A spacious split-level central area contains a large dining room and an assembly hall/gymnasium with a lift between to cope with wheelchairs. The six classrooms all face south and there is a special physiotherapy bath and shower room. The site was specially selected for its “clean” air.
Miss Shoesmith said “we hardly ever have a mean or unwilling child in the school, they all seem to want to help each other along".
Brunlea Special School amalgamated in 1988 with Hendon Brook School, Nelson to form Primrose Hill School, Burnley, which then closed in 2005