The former Woodside Primary and Nursery School on Firs Road in Hethersett is set to be auctioned off with a guide price of £275,000.

The school site has been empty since its staff and pupils moved to a new premises in Coachmaker Way in 2020.

Margaret Thatcher at Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery School. (Image: Archant)

The building was opened in January 1974 by Margaret Thatcher who, at the time, was minister for education.

Mrs Thatcher, who went on to become prime minister, commented on the unusual shape of the school.

Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery School (Image: Archant)

Individual classrooms lead off from a central hall which over the years was used for assemblies, entertainment, school sales and social events.

A separate nursery building was added at a later date.

Woodside Primary and Nursery School's former site (Image: Peter Steward)

Due to the 2020 pandemic, staff and pupils were not able to say a proper farewell to the school with the last children leaving the building for the final time on July 17.

There was a fire on the site in 2023 with police subsequently launching an arson investigation.

An outbuilding on the 1.3-acre site was engulfed in flames - with thick smoke billowing into the sky.

The property is being marketed by BTG Eddisons Property auctions.

They describe the property as: "A freehold former primary school offered with vacant possession upon completion located off Friars Road, Hethersett, Norfolk.

"Thought suitable for a variety of alternate uses subject to planning consent. Interested parties are advised to inspect the legal pack and view the site prior to bidding."

"The site extends 1.95 acres/0.79 hectares and includes the former school building which extends 1,453 sqm."

The school is set to go up for auction on April 15.

© Eastern Daily Press