Lessons begin on Dunfermline Learning Campus

S1 and S6 pupils were the first pupils to start the new term at the new St Columba's and Woodmill high schools with S4 and S5 returning on Thursday and S2 and S3 coming in on Friday.

BAM Construction broke ground on the ambitious project back in September 2021 and, after nearly three years of dedicated work, the £122m schools - part of a £222m campus with Fife College's new building costing £100m - was completed on schedule.

The keys were handed over on July 1, and since then, both schools have been busy making sure everything was perfect for Wednesday’s opening.

Fife Council’s education spokesperson, Cllr Cara Hilton, whose own children attend Woodmill High School, expressed her excitement.

READ MORE: New £122m high schools in Dunfermline open to pupils today

"Today is a milestone moment for education in West Fife," she said. "This £122m investment is a powerful statement of Fife Council’s commitment to our young people’s future. With the help of our partners, we’re delivering schools that are as innovative in design as they are in function.

St Columba's S1 and S6 gathered for assembly on the first day at their new school in Dunfermline Learning Campus (Image: Fife Council)

“I’m excited about what the future holds for learning in Dunfermline - our pupils will thrive in these amazing new facilities, built for the 21st century.”

The college is due to open next year. 

Fife College principal, Jim Metcalfe, said: "We're delighted the students of St Columba's and Woodmill are moving into their new schools today.

The first S1 and S6 pupils from St Columba's in the building - Miriam Ageyi S1, Katie Canning S6, Caitlin Tracey S6, Mick Mcgee (Headteacher), Favour Ogunbayo S6 and Ksawery Gorka S1 (Image: Fife Council)

"Fife College’s learning partnership with the high schools is a trailblazer for the future of education in Scotland. We’re working to build a student-centred, innovative pathway for learners to move seamlessly from school, to college, and on to work and further study.

"The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a fantastic investment in the future young people in West Fife, and we as colleagues in the college and the schools are committed to bringing that ambition to life with outstanding learning opportunities for all.”

READ MORE: Step inside new campus as Fife Council take ownership of schools

The creation of Dunfermline Learning Campus is a collaborative effort, with Fife Council working alongside Fife College, the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust.

The project was procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland, ensuring the campus was delivered on time and to the highest standards.

Woodmill's first S1s in the building on Wednesday, Finlay Parr and Gregor Goody are pictured with Declan Ryan S6, Mr Mcintosh (Headteacher) and Holly Docherty S6 - standing in the Woodmill courtyard at Dunfermline Learning Campus (Image: Fife Council)

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, added: “This is an important milestone for the Dunfermline Learning Campus and I know that the new school building will be of significant benefit to pupils, teachers and the local community.

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

"Since 2007, the proportion of schools in good or satisfactory condition has increased from 61 per cent to almost 91 per cent and we are continuing to build on our record of improving Scotland’s school estate through the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme.”