The Old Girls' School Community Centre and Tearoom

The school opened in 1876 at a cost of £2,000. It had a capacity for 268 pupils; a large number for the size of the village at that time. It continued to serve the village as a first-class educational establishment, educating many of the older residents of the village, until the new Hungate school opened and the old school closed in 1978.   

The building was later used by the successor local education authority, North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC), as offices for social services. NYCC vacated the premises at the end of 2013 and the property was put on the open market with the potential it would be demolished for housing.  

Our Story   

In early 2013, a few local residents came together and decided to create a group called ‘Friends of the Old Girls’ School’ (FOGS) to try and preserve and protect the facility for the community. Many had been educated at the school themselves.    

Local residents then formed Sherburn in Elmet Community Trust, which was able to secure funding and support to transform the building for community use.   

The Old Girls' School was completely renovated and opened for use on 1st September 2018  

The Old Girls' School is a vibrant, well-used building. Rich in atmosphere and lovingly restored to reflect the building's heritage. Rooms are light and tastefully decorated. The Victorian character and the halls have stunning vaulted ceilings are sure to add the "wow" factor to your Special occasion, session or class. Our rooms seat groups of people from six to eighty (depending on set up) giving you the flexibility to be as unique and distinctive as you wish. Please get in touch to find out more, check availability or to arrange a viewing.  

Facilities     

15 minutes free setup and clear away time, Projector , screen and 55” smart tv available, PA system, Outdoor seating, Tables and padded folding chairs, Water proof table clothes, Ramped access and disabled toilets, Free use of kitchen to make your own refreshments, Free WIFI, Free floodlit car park at the rear of the building    

We have a variety of spaces available for hire at The Old Girls' School in Sherburn in Elmet (see Google map) with capacity from 4 people to around 80, suitable for parties both children’s and adults I.e hen parties baby showers etc, Reunions, Training events, Society's and Clubs, small theatre productions,  wedding receptions, business meetings, training, workshops or activities ie adult and baby Yoga,  Pilates dance classes fitness sessions,  Film Shoots. Please get in touch to find out more, check availability or to arrange a viewing  

Within the building we also have a beautiful tearoom (The Little Teapot Tearoom ) The Little Teapot is a charming, family run, tearoom set in a 19th century school room Using fresh ingredients, we offer a selection of sandwiches, home baked cakes and treats, or afternoon teas for special occasions.