New term - new school for Danderhall pupils

The return to school after the Easter break was all the more exciting for pupils at Danderhall Primary with the opening of their new building.

New school and new community facilities

 As well as a new primary school and early learning centre, the £16.78 million new build has a library, leisure centre, cafe and sports pitches, some of which will open next week when coronavirus restrictions ease. 

A fantastic day

Acting Head Teacher Jennifer Mouat said: “This is a fantastic day for the school and the Danderhall community.

An exciting education environment

 “So much work has gone into creating this modern, exciting education environment so to be able to finally welcome the children into their new classrooms to continue their learning journey is amazing.

Extra special

 “It’s been a challenging time for pupils and staff everywhere because of coronavirus so getting into our new school feels extra special today.”

Heron Bros main contractor

Main contractor Heron Bros delivered the state-of-the-art building, which sits on the former primary site, and can accommodate 640 pupils and 120 children in its three nursery spaces.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies

Heron Bros site manager Colin Waugh joined pupils and Jennifer for two special ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Did the honours

The oldest early learning pupil James Junior Heron, 5, and the youngest early learning pupil Darcy Edwards, 3, did the honours in the early learning side of the building.

Very excited

Darcy agreed she was “very excited” to be in her new school. 

Oldest and youngest pupils

P7 pupil Lemuel Sanchez, 12, the oldest pupil and Elliot Jenkinson, 5, the youngest pupil, officially opened the main school building.

A magic opportunity

Elliot said the chance to cut the ribbon was “magic” while Lemuel said he’d been on a tour of the building and it was “pretty cool”.