Inverkeithing High School replacement to be built in Rosyth

The cabinet committee meets today (Thursday) and will be asked to back the building of a new £85 million school at the Fleet Grounds, to open in August 2026.

However a public consultation carried out between April and June showed that, out of 216 people who sent in responses, 141 were against the move.

The decision to relocate Inverkeithing High School to Rosyth is expected to be made today. (Image: Newsquest)

A report by Shelagh McLean, head of education and children’s services, said: "The education authority has set out a strong case in support of the proposal, the proposal is of clear educational benefit and even though most stakeholders who responded to the consultation are not in support of the proposal because of the specific location of the preferred site, almost all parents/carers, children and young people who met Education Scotland representatives are positive about the development of a new school."

As well as approving the relocation plans, councillors will be asked to note that a review of leisure services will be undertaken across the Kingdom, including what will happen with community-use facilities at the current Inverkeithing site.

She added: "There is a risk that, should the proposal not be approved, the educational benefits identified will not be realised.

"This could have an impact on the relevant consultees, as none will have the opportunity to experience a new secondary school.

"If the programme is impacted in terms of time, and not deliverable by August 2026, there is a risk that the Scottish Government funding for this project will be withdrawn from Fife Council and not be available for a later project."

A grade B listed building, Inverkeithing High opened in 1973 and is made up of seven blocks and a community-use building, which includes a swimming pool.

However, it's now rated as D for accessibility and C for both condition and suitability.

Ms McLean explained: "The existing building is unable to be remodelled to make it fully accessible and catchment pupils with specific additional support needs are unable to be accommodated, with their peers, at their catchment school, as they are unable to access all parts of the school."

The Fleet Grounds was chosen as the preferred site for a replacement high school in November 2020.

It will accommodate a maximum of 1,735 pupils.

It's not clear what will happen to the swimming pool at Inverkeithing High when the school closes in 2026. (Image: Newsquest)

Community-use facilities will be replicated at the new school, with the exception of a pool.

The report said there is sufficient space at the Fleet Grounds "should there be a future decision taken by Fife Council to provide additional community facilities, such as a swimming pool".

As for the existing facilities, in November 2020 there was a commitment given to "investigate the retention, refurbishment and future investment of the community use wing" at Inverkeithing High.

However, almost three years on and amid a campaign by locals for the pool there to be saved, it's still not clear what will happen to the site.

Councillor David Barratt said: "There's nothing inevitable about the loss of the swimming pool in Inverkeithing and we need to hold Fife Council to the commitment made to the continued provision of facilities at the existing site.

"I previously secured £1m in the capital plan for this purpose and I will be seeking a further commitment at the cabinet committee to reinforce this.

"The council cannot abandon Inverkeithing."

Education Scotland was consulted about the relocation plans and said: "It will be important for the council, if the proposal is agreed, to continue to consult with stakeholders, where appropriate, about the design of what is included in the new school and in considerations about the use of the existing site."

It also said that the council should "ensure there are safe routes to school and viable plans to manage any increased traffic".