Invergowrie’s new primary school has been shaped by the community to meet its needs, council chiefs said at its official opening.
Pupils began attending classes at the £8 million school in October, though the second phase of the building programme continued until May.
Boasting eight classrooms with the capacity for 235 primary pupils and a further 40 nursery places, it offers impressive new facilities. These include a gym, drama space, dining centre, improved offices and staffroom and well-equipped teaching spaces, with modern touches including electronic smart boards.
Nursery and primary one pupils, meanwhile, share a “breakout space”, designed to help the youngest pupils get to know one another and let staff work together.
Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning convener, Councillor Bob Band, said the facilities had been shaped by the people who will directly benefit from them.
“By consulting with the staff, pupils, parents and members of the community, we have been able to tailor the school to meet the needs locally, and to the benefit of everyone who will use it,” he said.
“We are working hard to upgrade and improve our education facilities across Perth and Kinross so that children and young people have access to high-quality physical resources that support their learning experiences.”
Pupils welcomed John Swinney MSP to the school on Monday to perform the official opening duties.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government could contribute £2.5 million in funding to the construction of the new school, which now provides state-of-the-art accommodation,” he said.
The new school has been built on the original playing fields of the former school, which was deemed “outdated” by the council.
Some parts, including the prefabricated classrooms that had been in use for years, have already been demolished. Listed elements of the old school are likely to be offered for sale and made available for community use.
Council leader Ian Miller said: “The project was given top priority by the council and the result is this marvellous building.
“Seeing what our ambition has achieved here makes me even more excited for the future of our schools.”