Green light for new ASN school
Plans to build a new school in West Lothian have been approved.
The brand new custom-built Cedarbank School was given the green light by the Education Executive following a consultation and will be located on the estate of the James Young High School.
Cedarbank is a secondary school for young people from across West Lothian with additional support needs (ASN). It is currently split over three locations in Livingston and Armadale, with the new school able to deliver all S1 to S6 education for up to 130 pupils.
A number of positive responses were received during the consultation period, with Education Scotland highlighting the chance to deliver significant potential educational benefits for Cedarbank pupils through the move.
A new dedicated access road is planned for the new school separate from the current James Young High School entrance, with more facilities now planned for the new Cedarbank.
Executive councillor for education David Dodds said:“I’m delighted that the plans have been approved.
“The new purpose-built accommodation will allow us to better meet the needs of all Cedarbank pupils.
“We have listened to the feedback from the consultation, and further consultation will be held with parents regarding the final design of the school.
“Both the Cedarbank and James Young High School communities are positive about the opportunities created by the relocations.”
Meanwhile, planning approval has been granted for the construction of three new schools in Winchburgh.
The new schools – a primary school and two secondarys – will provide new education facilities for the town’s growing population and West Lothian as a whole.
Winchburgh is one of West Lothian’s three Core Development areas which will see a significant number of new homes being built over the next 10 years. The proposed schools project includes a replacement Holy Family Primary School with initial capacity of 231 pupils to be open by August 2022. This includes a 64 place nursery.
There will also be a non-denominational secondary school with initial capacity of 660 , planned to be open by August 2022.
A denominational secondary school with initial capacity of 660 is planned to be open by August 2023 with a shared physical education and community block with sports pitches, car parking and drop off areas.