Widcombe Junior School has kick-started a new fundraising appeal at its annual summer fair.
The Great Hall Project, which is aiming to raise £450,000 to extend the school hall and build a new kitchen, was launched at this year's fair by Bath and North East Somerset Council chairman Martin Veal and local vegetarian chef Rachel Demuth.
Widcombe Junior School head teacher Kate Wilkins said: "I am very pleased to be launching this appeal. We have a brilliant design for the new hall and kitchens and I can't wait to see it finished and in action.
"People have a real warmth and enthusiasm for the school, and we're finding there are lots of connections with people in the community. We'd like to get the children involved and we're hoping to make it a real inter-generational project."
The school is also working together with the Widcombe Association, who have already donated £200 to the appeal.
Councillor Veal, a former Widcombe Junior School pupil, said: "Nothing would please me more than to see my old school further improved. I am aware of what great strides the school has made since I was a boy here, and will do all I can to help propel it to new heights of achievement."
As well as the hall extension, the appeal aims to raise money for new kitchen facilities so the school is able to provide healthy hot lunches for the pupils, as well as cooking lessons.
Mrs Wilkins said: "As providing hot meals for KS2 pupils is not currently a statutory requirement there is no government funding for this, and our current situation is that the children have to bring packed lunches. We're the only school in B&NES that is unable to provide hot meals for the pupils."
Governor Simone Wilding, whose children Emma, 11, and Selena, 9, both attend the junior school said it's something that has been in the works for a long time.
She said: "It will mean the children can do lots of extra activities, and help make the school the heart of the community.
"This year is the 175th anniversary of the school, so it's also inspiriting us to think a lot more about our history.
"We realise it's fairly aspirational but we're hoping to build up a lot of momentum. Initially it's quite daunting but definitely doable, there are so many talented and well-connected people here."
Mrs Wilkins said that parents have been very positive and supportive. The school hopes to begin the work in February 2015 and be finished for the new school year in September 2015.
Ms Demuth, who runs Demuths Cookery School in Terrace Walk, has donated signed copies of her recipe book to help kick-start the fundraising.
She said: "I think it is very exciting to be helping the school start the process of getting itself equipped with a teaching kitchen and all the facilities needed to serve proper school lunches.
"I firmly believe that children cannot start to learn cookery too early. I wish the school every success in its venture."