Search for Human Remains to Begin at Former Formby School Site

The site of the former Clarence House School in Formby is set to undergo a specialist archaeological investigation before demolition can begin to make way for a major housing development.

Clarence House, located on West Lane, was originally built in 1885 as an Industrial School for girls run by nuns. Over the years, the site went through many changes: from 1922 it became a boys’ school, and later it provided education for children with social or emotional difficulties. Most recently, it was managed by Nugent Care and catered for pupils aged seven to 19. In its final Ofsted inspection, the school was rated ‘Good’, but financial pressures led to its closure in 2018.

Since then, the buildings have stood abandoned for seven years, during which time the site has been at the centre of local speculation and has suffered repeated vandalism.

Major fire on Thursday 11th September 2025

It has also been the scene of two significant fires, the latest on Thursday 11th September 2025. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that crews spent hours tackling a blaze that ripped through the school’s old theatre building, damaging an area of around 50 by 20 metres.

In September 2023, Redrow Homes submitted a planning application to redevelop the site. The approved scheme will see the demolition of Clarence House and the construction of 89 new homes on land to the east of West Lane. Sefton Council gave the project final approval in May 2025.

However, strict planning conditions must be met before any demolition or construction can begin. One of those conditions requires a full archaeological evaluation, including the possibility of uncovering human remains.

In documents submitted to Sefton Council, Redrow’s planning agent White Peak Planning confirmed that a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) had been prepared and approved. The WSI outlines the procedures for archaeological trial trenching, with the stated aim of determining whether any buried remains are present on the site.

The document includes clear protocols for the discovery of sensitive materials. It states:

• If human remains are found, all work must immediately stop.

• The area will be secured and screened from public view.

• Police and the coroner must be informed.

• Options for preserving remains in situ or removing them in line with professional standards will be considered.

Should burials be identified, a Ministry of Justice licence would be required before any remains could be lifted, whether inhumations or cremations.

The site’s long and complex history—spanning 140 years—has added to community speculation that burials may be present. Residents also recall its connection to Clarence House children’s home, once located across the road, which has left a lasting legacy in local memory.

For now, the future of Clarence House lies with the outcome of the archaeological investigation. Only once this work has been completed, and all planning conditions are discharged, will demolition and redevelopment be able to proceed.