The original name of ‘West Heath School’ was preserved when the charity, that took over the estate in 1998, changed its name from ‘The New School at West Heath’ to West Heath School in 2015.
Now another name from the past has also been revived. West Heath Weddings, the events company that organises ceremonies and receptions within the West Heath estate, now promotes itself under the banner of ‘Ashgrove House at West Heath’.
Many people will already be aware that Ash Grove was the former name of the house and estate before the former West Heath School purchased the property in the 1930s but did not establish itself there until just after the end of the second world war in the mid-40s. The original estate was developed in 1764.
The wedding organisers have been approached to find out what prompted the move to the historic Ash Grove name but, at time of writing, there has been no reply. This may be because there is a message on the school website that says:
“Wedding bookings will be unavailable in 2026. Unfortunately, we are undergoing building works at West Heath, and we will be unable to take bookings for weddings during 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience. We plan to be offering bookings again as normal during 2027.”
The building works mentioned could possibly be the current new hall development following the demolition of the old drama hall last year – see story on this website about the new hall by CLICKING HERE.
The West Heath estate has become a popular place for wedding celebrations and is licensed to hold matrimonial ceremonies as well as receptions. The income generated from these activities goes towards supporting the school’s bursary fund for children with special educational needs.
The beautiful surroundings of West Heath are a perfect venue for wedding celebrations. Marriage ceremonies can take place in selected rooms within the main house, or outdoors. Receptions can be held in a large beautifully decorated marquee on the Rose and Garden and croquet lawn at the rear of the main school outside the former senior common room.
There are various packages available which include taking over the school for a whole weekend from Friday afternoon to Sunday. The facilities can cater for up to 80 seated or 100 standing in the Portrait Gallery & Parlour, 100 seated or 160 standing in the Ballroom, and 400 seated or 600 standing in the Cedar Lawn Marquee.
If you would like to consider taking a trip down Memory Lane by holding a wedding or a reception for a family member by using Ashgrove House at West Heath from next year, you can get more info and see all the facilities available in the online brochure by CLICKING HERE, or on this image from the brochure.
