Latest news with #LearningEstateInvestmentProgramme
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
St Kentigern's Academy set to open new wing months ahead of schedule
St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn is set to open its new wing months ahead of schedule after a £50m rebuild. More than 60% of the school – one of the largest in West Lothian- had to be demolished because of RAAC roofing panels. While councillors welcomed the fact that school will be completed by March, they voiced disappointment that the Scottish Government has yet to respond to pleas for £15m to help meet the costs. The Executive heard that the council has budget a loan could face paying an extra £15m interest on that sum. A report to the executive said: 'Discussions remain ongoing with the Scottish Government around funding support to deliver the works required at St Kentigern's Academy. To date, no funding support has been confirmed.' Depute Chief Executive for Education Dr Elaine Cook told the meeting: 'For the first year in a number of years, we will be able to have all our SQA exams within the school site.' Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, said: 'I really wanted to say a massive thank you from the outset, on behalf of councillors. Officers have kept us fully informed. They grasped the nettle in dealing with this situation.' 'Fingers crossed we get some money from the Scottish Government.' Depute SNP group leader Pauline Stafford echoed Councillor Pattle's thanks to officers and added 'A big thanks go to staff and students who have borne this really admirably. It has been a lot of upheaval.' Countering complaints that the Scottish Government had not responded to the council's plea for £15m costs Councillor Stafford said the council would be a better state if it had not had to pay £18m for PFI projects introduced by Labour. Conservative group leader, Damian Doran-Timson described that as 'defending the indefensible' and criticised millions of pounds 'wasted by the Scottish Government'. He added: 'The issue here is the Scottish Government not supporting the council. Shame on the Scottish Government for not stepping in.' Labour councillor Tom Conn said: 'I'd like to thank officers for dealing with RAAC throughout all our schools' estate. Not one penny has come from the Scottish Government to support this council. There's been criticism of the PFI which we are still paying off, but this is what we are going to have to do if we don't get this support- paying off on the never never.' A Scottish Government spokesperson defended its record on funding schools, pointing to almost £24m of funding through the Schools for the Future Programme, spent on building or extending schools in the county and also financial support given through the Learning Estate Investment Programme. The spokesperson added: 'The Scottish Government has been in regular contact with each local authority where RAAC has been identified in schools. 'The Education Secretary met with West Lothian Council and visited St Kentigern's Academy and was reassured on progress made by the council in dealing with RAAC identified in the school. 'National guidance has been available from the Institute of Structural Engineers to local authorities since March 2022. That guidance remains good practice for councils to adhere to and uses a risk-based approach to manage RAAC.' After the meeting Andrew McGuire the executive councillor for Education said: 'It's great to hear how much progress has been made in re-building a significant part of St. Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn. 'St Kentigern's is a large secondary school that provides education to many young people from towns and villages in the west of West Lothian. 'We can now look forward to the new building at St Kentigern's being opened in 2026, which will deliver huge benefits for pupils and staff. 'Thanks to everyone at the school and those involved in the project for their hard work to ensure a major construction project can be delivered quickly with minimal impact on education.' The new building will feature a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court Games Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and a changing area. Additional facilities will include a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for all of the young people who attend the school. The work has been completed while the school is operational, with every effort made to keep disruption to a minimum for a project of this scale. A temporary 'Learning Village' has been put in place to support learning, with some PE lessons and SQA exams the only activities that required additional space off-site. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian school to reopen months ahead of schedule after closure due to RAAC
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn is set to open its new wing months ahead of schedule after a £50m rebuild. More than 60% of the school - one of the largest in West Lothian- had to be demolished because of RAAC roofing panels. While councillors welcomed the fact that school will be completed by March they voiced disappointment that the Scottish Government has yet to respond to pleas for £15m to help meet the costs. READ MORE: Calls for delayed West Lothian train station to be funded by Scottish Government The Executive heard that the council has budget a loan could face paying an extra £15m interest on that sum. A report to the executive said: 'Discussions remain ongoing with the Scottish Government around funding support to deliver the works required at St Kentigern's Academy. To date, no funding support has been confirmed.' Depute Chief Executive for Education Dr Elaine Cook told the meeting: 'For the first year in a number of years, we will be able to have all our SQA exams within the school site." Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, said: 'I really wanted to say a massive thank you from the outset, on behalf of councillors. Officers have kept us fully informed. They grasped the nettle in dealing with this situation.' "Fingers crossed we get some money from the Scottish Government." Depute SNP group leader Pauline Stafford echoed Councillor Pattle's thanks to officers and added ' A big thanks go to staff and students who have borne this really admirably. It has been a lot of upheaval.' Countering complaints that the Scottish Government had not responded to the council's plea for £15m costs Councillor Stafford said the council would be a better state if it had not had to pay £18m for PFI projects introduced by Labour. Conservative group leader, Damian Doran-Timson described that as "defending the indefensible" and criticised millions of pounds ' wasted by the Scottish Government'. He added: 'The issue here is the Scottish Government not supporting the council. Shame on the Scottish Government for not stepping in.' Labour councillor Tom Conn said: 'I'd like to thank officers for dealing with RAAC throughout all our schools estate. Not one penny has come from the Scottish Government to support this council. There's been criticism of the PFI which we are still paying off but this is what we are going to have to do if we don't get this support- paying off on the never never.' A Scottish Government spokesperson defended its record on funding schools, pointing to almost £24m of funding through the Schools for the Future Programme, spent on building or extending schools in the county and also financial support given through the Learning Estate Investment Programme. The spokesperson added: 'The Scottish Government has been in regular contact with each local authority where RAAC has been identified in schools. 'The Education Secretary met with West Lothian Council and visited St Kentigern's Academy, and was reassured on progress made by the council in dealing with RAAC identified in the school. 'National guidance has been available from the Institute of Structural Engineers to local authorities since March 2022. That guidance remains good practice for councils to adhere to and uses a risk-based approach to manage RAAC.' After the meeting Andrew McGuire the executive councillor for Education said: 'It's great to hear how much progress has been made in re-building a significant part of St. Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn. 'St Kentigern's is a large secondary school that provides education to many young people from towns and villages in the west of West Lothian. 'We can now look forward to the new building at St Kentigern's being opened in 2026, which will deliver huge benefits for pupils and staff. 'Thanks to everyone at the school and those involved in the project for their hard work to ensure a major construction project can be delivered quickly with minimal impact on education.' The new building will feature a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court Games Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and a changing area. Additional facilities will include a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for all of the young people who attend the school. The work has been completed while the school is operational, with every effort made to keep disruption to a minimum for a project of this scale. A temporary "Learning Village" has been put in place to support learning, with some PE lessons and SQA exams the only activities that required additional space off-site. Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Extra funding to ensure completion of new Glasgow primary school
The new money will support the refurbishment and extension of the former St James' Primary School in Calton area of the city, which has lain derelict for more than a decade. Although originally planned for completion in December 2025, the school is now expected to be handed over to the council towards the end of 2026. Once opened, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn (Calton Gaelic Primary School) will become the fourth Gaelic-medium primary school in Glasgow and will have space for a total of 416 pupils. The most recent census shows that the number of Gaelic-speakers in Glasgow has increased by more than 80 percent since 2011. The school is being funded via the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), which is intended to support the development of schools across the country and ensure that children are learning in environments that are fit for purpose. Councils have been able to apply for help to rebuild or refurbish schools, and in some cases create new education services, with dozens of projects approved since the first round of awards in 2019. Councils are responsible for the upfront costs of each programme, but can recoup up to half from the Scottish Government over a twenty-five year period. However, a significant number of existing projects are now running late and at least one – the Doon Valley Campus in East Ayrshire – has been cancelled due to escalating costs, and major concerns have been raised about the proposed new school on the Isle of Mull. Asked if the Scottish Government would consider providing further support for other LEIP projects, the Deputy First Minister did not rule out the possibility. In addition to the funding for the school refurbishment, the government also announced support for twelve further educational and cultural projects. The money will be provided via the Gaelic Capital Fund and will allow for developments including expanded teaching spaces and upgraded equipment in schools, as well as initiatives such as a two-day Gaelic music event in South Uist, the extension of a Gaelic cultural centre in Skye, and the transcription of historic Gaelic recordings. Speaking during her visit to the school site, Kate Forbes said: 'This school will build on the encouraging surge we have seen in the number of Gaelic speakers and learners in Glasgow and support the language's growth into the future. 'Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money by providing better grade averages across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than average. 'To support Gaelic's growth across Scotland, we are providing an additional £5.7 million for Gaelic initiatives this year. We are also progressing the Scottish Languages Bill which, if passed by MSPs, will introduce measures to strengthen the provision of Gaelic education.' Alison Richardson, headteacher of Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn, said: 'With Gaelic medium education continuing to flourish in Glasgow, our pupils and parents are excited and proud to be moving Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn into its very own repurposed school located in the East End. 'We look forward to supporting Gaelic's growth in the Calton area, where many spoke it in the past, and for the school to become a real focal point and asset to the local community.'
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
New £30 million learning campus in Neilston officially opens
The Neilston Learning Campus brings together St Thomas' and Neilston primaries and Madras Family Centre onto a single campus. It opened its doors to pupils in March 2024 and the official opening ceremony was held on Friday, May 9. The campus was built to replace the outdated former buildings and was designed to ensure both schools and the family centre retain their unique identities and teaching spaces. (Image: Jeff Holmes)It features shared facilities including a large sports hall, Digi-Zone, a dedicated space for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEAM), an art room, a green screen video editing area, and drama and music space. The ceremony was attended by Jenny Gilruth MSP, cabinet secretary for education and skills, and councillor Andrew Anderson, convener for education, equalities, culture and leisure. They unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. Councillor Anderson said: "Today's official opening ceremony was a wonderful way to mark this new chapter for learning in Neilston. (Image: Jeff Holmes) "This fantastic campus, combined with the staff, pupils, parents and wider community, will become the beating heart of the village and contribute to an environment where our children and young people will flourish." Ms Gilruth said: "I welcome the opening of this state-of-the-art campus – we now have a record number of pupils in Scotland being taught in schools that are in 'good' or 'satisfactory' condition. "The Scottish Government is providing £10.6 million for the Neilston Learning Campus through the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme which by the end of 2027-28, will have delivered 47 modern, state of the art schools." Gerard Curley, headteacher of Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre, said: "It's an absolute privilege to lead our school and family centre every day. "This outstanding facility will give us a springboard to strive for even greater achievements in future years." Marie Kane, headteacher of St Thomas' Primary, said: "Since moving to our new home, the whole community has embraced the change and we are very appreciative of this remarkable facility and the high-quality learning experiences we are able to deliver."
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
'New era for learning' as £30m learning campus officially opens
The facility, which brings together St Thomas' and Neilston primaries and Madras Family Centre onto a single campus, opened its doors to pupils in March 2024, and Friday's event provided an opportunity for all to see how it has transformed the learning opportunities available. The opening ceremony to officially mark "the new era for learning in Neilston" saw musical recitals from pupils, a religious blessing and speeches from pupils from both schools. READ MORE: Aberdeen Uni cuts 'legally questionable', critics say Parents are learning a lesson in Scottish education: do not trust the process This Scottish school mobile phone ban could be life-changing for children Speaking on Friday, Councillor Andrew Anderson said: 'Today's official opening ceremony was a wonderful way to mark this new chapter for learning in Neilston. This fantastic campus, combined with the staff, pupils, parents and wider community, will become the beating heart of the village and contribute to an environment where our children and young people will flourish. "The completed campus offers our children and young people the very best learning environment and I'm delighted that sustainability is also at the core of the design, with the latest renewable energy technologies being used including air source heat pumps. "A school community is about so much more than bricks and mortar and it's clear that the ethos and relationships which have already developed at Neilston Learning Campus since its opening will support all to achieve their very best.' Head Teachers Gerard Curley and Marie Kane with Jenny Gilruth MSP and Councillor Andrew Anderson and children from Neilston Primary, St Thomas' Primary and Madras Family Centre outside the new Neilston Learning Campus (Image: Jeff Holmes) Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth added: 'I welcome the opening of this state-of-the-art campus – we now have a record number of pupils in Scotland being taught in schools that are in 'good' or 'satisfactory' condition. The Scottish Government is providing £10.6 million for the Neilston Learning Campus through the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme which by the end of 2027-28, will have delivered 47 modern, state of the art schools.' Neilston Learning Campus was built to replace the out-dated former buildings and was designed to ensure both schools and the family centre retain their unique identities and teaching spaces, with shared facilities including a large sports hall, Digi-Zone, a dedicated space for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEAM), an art room, a green screen video editing area, and drama and music space. Gerard Curley, Head Teacher of Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre, said: 'It's an absolute privilege to lead our school and family centre every day. I am blessed to have such a wonderful community to work within and we work hard to ensure every member of our community is seen, heard and supported. This outstanding facility will give us a springboard to strive for even greater achievements in future years. I'm looking forward to the journey that's ahead of us.' Marie Kane, Head Teacher of St Thomas' Primary, added: 'At the heart of all that we do in St Thomas' is our commitment to forming young people who embody our school values of love, faith and understanding. Since moving to our new home, the whole community has embraced the change and we are very appreciative of this remarkable facility and the high-quality learning experiences we are able to deliver. It's an exciting time for everyone connected with the school and we can't wait to start creating new memories for everyone at St Thomas'.'
