THE keys to the new St Columba's and Woodmill High schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus have been officially handed over to Fife Council.

The ceremony, which saw the keys presented to council leader David Ross by BAM’s Construction Director for Scotland, Martin Cooper, heralds the start of a new era for both schools which will welcome its first pupils next month.

The construction of the new schools began in September 2021 and was completed last month.

A video released by the local authority has given a taste of what pupils – and staff – can look forward to.

Welcoming the latest milestone, Councillor Ross said: "“We’re delighted to take ownership of these exceptional new facilities. The completion of St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School represents a significant investment in the future of our young people and our community.

“These schools will provide state-of-the-art learning environments that will inspire and support our students for generations to come.”

BAM's Mr Cooper stated: “It has been a privilege to work on such a forward-thinking project. The completion of the schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.

“We are proud to deliver these outstanding facilities that will serve the community for many years.”

READ MORE: Videos show Dunfermline Learning Campus work gathering pace

Fife Council’s Education Spokesperson, Cllr Cara Hilton, who has two children at Woodmill High School, added: “The schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus are finally ours! School staff can now add the finishing touches to get ready for pupils starting next month.

“This build has been a huge investment from Fife Council in the future of Fife’s young people. With help from our partners, we are building schools across Fife which are ground-breaking in their design and function."

Dunfermline Learning Campus is a collaborative effort between Fife Council, Fife College, and The Scottish Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, added: “The handover of keys to the new St Columba’s & Woodmill High Schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus marks an important milestone for staff and pupils alike. 

“I am delighted that Scottish Government investment of over £53m has supported this modern, state of the art new building.

"Whilst school buildings don’t belong to the Scottish Government, we will continue to help local councils, like Fife Council, by investing £2billion in our Learning Estate and Investment Programme. 

In time, the campus will co-locate pupils, students, and staff from St Columba’s RC High School, Woodmill High School, and Fife College, in modern, fit-for-purpose, and low-carbon facilities.

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The new schools are equipped with innovative internal spaces, including a pioneering 'Learning Lab' with performance analysis tools, media studios, recording booths, and extensive creative project spaces. 

The campus also features inspiring learning plazas, breakout booths, digitally enabled learning spaces, and a range of outdoor facilities designed to promote holistic development and well-being.

The schools will officially open to pupils after the summer break on Wednesday, August 21.