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History

Our story begins with an elderly lady who wanted to help disabled children. Her sisters had been disabled and had suffered after being placed in a mental institution for much of their lives. Her work, along with financial assistance from the Smith Homes Trust, made Holly Bank the first school of its kind to be built in the North of England. In 1954 we opened our doors to ten children who were to be residents, and a further 12 who would attend daily. Our opening was followed by the forming of a similar school in Harrogate and another in Leeds - testimony to our innovative and ground-breaking status.

Roe Head.

For 30 years, Holly Bank School was based in Huddersfield. However, our residential facilities needed to be developed and our school needed to expand and grow. In 1990, Holly Bank moved to Roe Head (pictured) in Mirfield. Roe Head is the home of Holly Bank School. Part of the Hollybank Trust, it is steeped in history through its connections with the Bronte sisters.

Charlotte, Emily and Anne received part of their education at Roe Head, when the original house was a private school. It was here that Charlotte met her friend Ellen Nussey. Ellen Nussey (who started at Roe Head School a week after Charlotte) describing her first sight of Charlotte wrote, '' ... there was a silent, weeping, dark little figure in the large bay window. '' Apparently, she was very shy and nervous, extremely short-sighted and spoke with a strong Irish accent. Yet Charlotte was to be very happy at Roe Head, and made two life-long friends here.

Looking out from the terrace, Charlotte would see almost the same view that her father had known at Hartshead, the view across Huddersfield and the Calder basin. Inside, the rooms were oak-panelled. The Drawing Room, Dining Room and School Room were all on the ground floor, while the third floor housed 'the ghost', a lady in a rustling silk gown. Naturally, since Roe Head has become a school once more, the ghost has appeared again!