A new era for learning in Neilston started today (Tuesday 19 March) as the doors to the village’s learning campus opened for the first time.

Excited pupils from St Thomas’ and Neilston primaries and Madras Family Centre arrived this morning to get settled into their new building for the first time.

The facility, which replaces their outdated former buildings, has been designed to provide a home to the two primary schools and family centre on a single site, all whilst maintaining the unique identity of each establishment.

Barrhead News:

Councillor Andrew Anderson, convener for education, equalities, culture and leisure, told the Barrhead News: “It is a landmark day for Neilston as the doors to the village’s new learning campus open for the first time.

“This project has been a key priority for the council, as we aim to provide quality learning environments for children and young people across East Renfrewshire.

“As well as creating this fabulous facility for the schools and family centre, it will also become an asset for the whole village to benefit from.

“I look forward to seeing the children and staff flourish on the new campus.”

The schools and family centre retain their unique teaching spaces but now have 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.

With the schools and family centre now complete, work to demolish the former St Thomas’ and Neilston primaries and Madras Family Centre will get started.

The demolition of the former Neilston Primary will allow an all-weather football pitch and multi-use games area to be created.

Gerard Curley, headteacher of Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre, said: “From the moment the construction work got under way, we’ve been looking forward to getting into our new school and family centre.

“The pupils and staff have watched with huge anticipation as the building works progressed.

"We’ve had lots of visits during the construction, but until today it was just a building.

“It is our pupils, staff and wider school community which will make this such a special place to learn. I’m looking forward to all that the future holds.”

Marie Kane, headteacher of St Thomas’ Primary, added: “It’s an exciting time for everyone connected with the school and I look forward to helping shape this next chapter in our history.

“Joining together on a shared campus will bring additional richness to our children’s learning and experiences.

“The learning and teaching spaces, as well as the wider facilities, are absolutely fantastic and will support our staff to provide the very best opportunities for our pupils as we aim to help them reach their full potential.

“We’re ready to get started on the next chapter for the community of St Thomas’ Primary School.”