£40m high school to be ready for new term

A NEW secondary school is in its final stages of development as it gets ready to open its doors after the summer holidays.

The new two-storey Boclair Academy in Bearsden will provide 1050 pupils with a state-of-the-art learning environment and will feature a large atrium, flexible learning zones, performance spaces and dining areas.

Once the building is complete, work will start on improved outdoor facilities alongside a fully integrated landscape design which will include car and cycle parking bays.

The £40.9 million project is being delivered by East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with the Scape Construction Framework and contractor Wates Construction Limited/ McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited.

Head teacher Douglas Brown said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Boclair Academy and we can’t wait to move across to our new building which is simply stunning.

“We feel like we have been involved every step of the way from the early discussions about layout and design, throughout the whole construction process.

“The students asked for light, height and space and that is exactly what we’ve got.

“When we close the doors on the old school for the last time it will be the end of an era with lots of happy memories but we are charging forward to a bright future in our wonderful new home.”

Pupil Harli, who will be starting S6 in the new school, said: “The difference between both buildings is huge and it is easy to see how the modern, bright building is going to be a great environment in which to learn.

“I love sports and dancing and can’t wait to use the new facilities which look amazing.

“We have a modern dance studio with all the equipment we need.

“I love all the huge windows in the new school which give it such a light and airy feel.

“Roll on August.”