Opening date confirmed for new Winchburgh Academy

The opening of the first of three brand-new start-of-the-art schools for Winchburgh has been confirmed.

Pictured left to right are Depute Chief Executive Dr. Elaine Cook, Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Executive councillor for education David Dodds, Winchburgh Academy Headteacher Jonny Mitchell and Interim Head of Education (Primary) Greg Welsh. Photo: Paul Watt.

Winchburgh Academy will open to S1 pupils in August 2022, as the first stage of the £62 million development to build three new schools and shared sports facilities for the growing Winchburgh community.

The project is West Lothian’s largest ever single investment in education, and is being delivered by development partner Hub South East and main contractor Morrison Construction on behalf of West Lothian Council.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick and Executive councillor for education David Dodds recently visited the new schools to see their good progress first-hand, with council officers including Jonny Mitchell, who has also been appointed as Winchburgh Academy’s first ever headteacher

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “I hugely welcome the opening of the superb new Winchburgh Academy to pupils from August 2022.

“It’s a significant milestone in the £62m project to deliver three state-of-the-art schools for our school estate, which is already one of the best in the country.

“Thanks to everyone who has worked hard to deliver this excellent new school on time and on budget.

Executive councillor for education David Dodds added: “I’m sure pupils and their parents/carers will agree that the new Winchburgh Academy will be an excellent facility for learning.

“I’m delighted to welcome Mr Mitchell to West Lothian as Winchburgh Academy’s Headteacher, and look forward to seeing the positive impact of his leadership as he helps build a new school community.

Speaking about his appointment, Winchburgh Academy headteacher Jonny Mitchell, who joins from Chryston High School in North Lanarkshire, said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be in a position to serve, support, and lead our school community in such unique and exciting times for everyone connected to Winchburgh Academy. I very much look forward to working in partnership with everyone to provide the very best opportunities and experiences for our young people.”