A double-decker bus which had reached the end of its service life on the roads has been given a new purpose – as a school classroom. The 12-tonne vehicle has been transformed from a 75-seater passenger vehicle into an upstairs classroom and downstairs play and meeting space for pupils at Blaise Primary & Nursery School in Henbury, Bristol.
The bus, which once travelled the length and breadth of the West Country, has been reconstructed into a 30-seater upstairs classroom with conference style tables – to provide a collaborative space where teachers can show and demonstrate to pupils.
The existing seats have been preserved but repositioned so the classroom still retains ‘a bus feel’.
The downstairs area has been transformed into a meeting and play space, which can be used for pupils with more specialist needs – including those seeking a social, emotional space, or for meetings with parents and carers who prefer to talk with staff away from a traditional school setting.
Massimo Bonaddio, headteacher and the chair of the Primary Heads Association Bristo, said: “We are so grateful for this exceptionally kind donation from First Bus, and for them spending the time to convert it into a classroom, play and meeting space.
“We’re really proud to be a school that strives to cater for all the children in our community. This space will provide us with a range of opportunities for teaching and meeting, and also provide a safe, alternative, space away from the main school, for example, should someone feel anxious about coming into a busy school environment.
“I’m not sure who is more excited about having this converted bus space on site, myself and staff team, or the pupils! It’s such an exciting addition to our school.”
Over the weekend, pupils gave invited guests for a tour of their unique new facility. Guests included Labour MP for Bristol North West and chief secretary to the treasury Darren Jones, as well as representatives from First Bus who funded the project as part of its ongoing community work.
The school also hopes to use the bus for pupil school council meetings, as well as more formal meetings, including with school governors and other external stakeholders.
The donation is part of an ongoing programme to upcycle old buses and support local community activities.
Buses generally have a life expectancy of about 15 years, after which they are considered for donation, sold for further use to other companies, or preserved or sold to specialist salvage companies which are able to de-pollute, dismantle and recycle last parts of the vehicle, helping to sustainably supply materials, including for new buses.
Managing director of First Bus in the West of England Doug Claringbold said: “We’re very much a local company, run by local people which puts us right at the heart of local communities, and it’s great to see a little part of our company taking pride of place at Blaise Primary and Nursery School.
“As with all vehicles there comes a time when they reach the end of their life, so we couldn’t be prouder seeing this local double decker recycled and given a new lease of life for such a good cause. I know the pupils and teachers are going to love this new addition to their school.”