Delight as new school opens in East Kilbride

Published: Friday 25 August 2023

This image shows the head teacher and pupils of Jackton Primary School, the newest school to open in South Lanarkshire

Staff and pupils are settling in well at South Lanarkshire’s newest primary school.

Jackton Primary School in East Kilbride opened its doors for the first time last week.

The £18 million school has 17 classrooms, a gym hall, a general-purpose area, separate dining hall and an outdoor floodlit pitch which will be made available for community lets outwith school use.

It will be able to accommodate up to 510 pupils and will have four ASN classrooms to accommodate up to 32 children depending on need and complexity.

There are also Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) facilities for up to 80 three/four-year olds and 15 two-year olds.

Head teacher Lesley Phee said: “We have had a great first few days in our new school, the pupils and staff are absolutely delighted with how things are going.

“It’s the beginning of a new adventure for all of us, and we are confident Jackton Primary School will continue to thrive and become a real focal point for the local community.

“I would like to thank all the pupils, staff and parents who have made these first few days so enjoyable – here’s to many more!”

The school was funded by Glasgow City Region City Deal and developer contributions from the private housebuilders delivering new homes for sale in the area.

The Jacktonhall Consortium, which includes Miller Homes, Cala Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes and Avant Homes, is delighted to support its local and newly opened Jackton Primary School.

A spokesperson said: “It has been our pleasure to help Jackton Primary School welcome their new pupils with a photograph that families can cherish. Building communities is at the heart of what we do at our Jacktonhall Consortium, and it was great to meet teachers, families and of course the children as they embarked on their first day of school.”

The school building will be temporarily shared with Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School while their building is being renovated.

A new access road to the school was also part of the design.

Jackton Primary School is the latest addition to what is arguably the best schools estate in the UK following a comprehensive build and modernisation programme.