News / Development
Former prep school could become new homes
A former private school which closed after more than a century could become seven new flats and a house.
Developers are seeking permission to turn Torwood House School into residential accommodation.
The small prep school located at 8 and 8A Durdham Park in Redland, just a stone’s throw from the Downs, closed in 2023 blaming the introduction of VAT on fees.
Consultants said in planning documents: “Following the closure of the school at the end of 2023 and subsequent failure to find occupants for the building through the marketing process, the applicant is seeking consent to change the use of the principal building to seven flats, and the annex building family dwelling (sic).
“The applicant has successfully operated Torwood House School for many years and expanded with the development of the annex following planning permission in 2012.
“In recent years, however, the operation of the school at this site became increasingly costly and difficult to manage.
“A strategic review of the business concluded that continued operation of the school use within the application site was no longer viable, and the educational use ceased.
“Torwood House School as an organisation ceased trading entirely in August 2025, following the introduction of VAT on private school fees.”
Main photo: Torwood House School / Vimeo
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