Today, Wednesday 21 August 2024, is a landmark day for education in Fife as pupils across the area return to school. It’s an especially thrilling day for students at St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School, who are stepping into their new schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus for the very first time.
The state-of-the-art campus welcomes S1, S6, and enhanced provision pupils today. The phased return continues with S4 and S5 arriving on Thursday, and S2 and S3 joining on Friday to complete the transition.
BAM Construction broke ground on this ambitious project in September 2021, and after nearly three years of dedicated work, the £122m campus was completed on schedule. The keys were handed over on 1 July 2024, and since then, both schools have been busy making sure everything was perfect for today’s opening.
Fife Council’s education spokesperson, Cllr Cara Hilton, whose own children attend Woodmill High School, expressed her excitement: “Today is a milestone moment for education in West Fife. 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.
“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.”
Along with the two secondary schools, Dunfermline Learning Campus will also welcome Fife College next year, creating an educational environment that will serve the entire community.
Fife College Principal, Jim Metcalfe, shared his thoughts: "We're delighted the students of St Columba's and Woodmill are moving into their new schools today.
"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.”
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 expertly procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland, ensuring the campus was delivered on time and to the highest standards.
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% to almost 91% and we are continuing to build on our record of improving Scotland’s school estate through the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme.”
As Dunfermline Learning Campus opens its doors, the future of education in Fife looks brighter than ever - it's the start of a new era for learning.
Woodmill's Mr Mcintosh with S6 Declan Ryan and Holly Docherty
St Columba's Mr McGee with S6 Katie Canning, Caitlin Tracey and Favour Ogunbayo
Email: sustainableschoolestate@fife.gov.uk
