Official opening for new primary school

Published: Friday 22 November 2024

This image shows Council Leader Joe Fagan with two teachers and two pupils at the official opening of Jackton PS

A brand new £19.3 million primary school in East Kilbride was officially opened today.

Jackton Primary School and Early Learning Centre (ELC) opened its doors to pupils and staff in August 2023.

The school was officially opened by Council Leader Joe Fagan, with the ELC officially opened by Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes MSP.

The facility was funded by developers’ contributions, City Deal and council capital funding.

It is the final phase of the council’s comprehensive Primary Schools Modernisation Programme, the largest of its kind in Europe, which has seen the entire primary school and early learning estate modernised over the last 20 years.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “Jackton Primary School and Early Learning Centre has already well established itself as a vital part of the local community.

“It was a privilege to officially open the school today, and we were thoroughly entertained by the show put on by the pupils.

“I believe we now have the most modern, well-equipped primary school estate in the whole of Europe, underlining our commitment to give South Lanarkshire’s pupils the very best education to give them the very best start in life.”

This image shows Children's Minister Natalie Don-Innes with two teachers and ELC pupils at the official opening of Jackton PS

Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to South Lanarkshire Council for inviting me here today, it’s been a pleasure to watch the performances by the children and young people from Jackton Primary School and nursery.

“The Scottish Government has provided £4.7 million in funding for this project through the Glasgow City Region Deal and being here to see the school and nursery first hand shows how beneficial this investment is to the children and young people of Jackton and East Kilbride.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "This is a wonderful day for the pupils, teachers, parents and all connected with Jackton Primary School and Early Learning Centre.

“Funded with £4.7 million each from the UK and Scottish Governments combined £1 billion Glasgow City Region Deal contribution - plus partner investment - this fabulous facility is an excellent place to learn, play and work. I look forward to this jewel in the community helping to inspire this and future generations. The UK Government and Scotland Office's top mission is economic growth and infrastructure like this - and the brilliant minds it will nourish - will play an important part in that."

This image shows pupils performing on stage at the official opening of Jackton Primary School

The Nursery Centre is registered for 116 children from age two to five. The Primary School has 17 mainstream classrooms with extensive associated ICT, Library and Breakout areas. The school has a large Gym, Stage and Dining spaces and a seven-a-side synthetic sports pitch, which forms part of the extensive play and outdoor learning space.

The school also contains a four classroom Additional Support Needs Base, with associated facilities such as Safe Spaces and Sensory Room.

The school has and will continue to be a focal point in the new Community Growth Area for both education and community use.

The new building has made extensive use of sustainable technologies, including: