Memories come flooding back as former pupils return to restored school for first time in decades

FORMER students of a grammar school have walked the corridors of their old school for the first time in decades.

- By SOPHIE FAGONE BUSCIMESE

In an emotional reunion, former pupils of Heanor Grammar School, which has now been restored as The Grammar, got to step back into their old classrooms following an extensive restoration project by the borough council.

Built in the early 20th century, Heanor Grammar School educated generations of local residents before falling into decline.

Under private ownership, the building stood vacant and in disrepair for almost a decade.

Restoration work began in 2023, after Amber Valley Borough Council secured cash through the Future High Streets Fund to purchase the site. The project was completed in August 2025 and the building now provides space for community and business use.

Great efforts were made to retain original features such as the original parquet flooring, staircases and large windows. Many of the former pupils had not returned to the site since leaving school.

When seeing the carefully preserved corridors, visitor Elaine Glenwright grew emotional, saying: “I just can’t get over it. I’m just blown away.”

As the group moved through the building, they identified old classrooms and noticed small details they remembered from their youth, such as the shape of the steps on the staircase.

Climbing the original staircase, Cheryl Smith paused to admire the original handrail and take it all in.