New primary schools ready for pupils

With the summer holidays ending next week, pupils across the county will no doubt be dreading returning to school, however that shouldn't be the case for pupils of new schools Gore Glen Primary and Bilston Primary when they enter brand new purpose built facilities, both bathed in natural light.

One of the classrooms in Gore Glen Primary School, Gorebridge

Situated directly opposite the dilapidated Bilston Annexe building, the new primary school is an eye catching structure, which has been designed to be expanded as the local population increases.

Pupils at the new school will be able to take pride in their state of the art home, with the latest technology, a top sports hall and impressive class rooms.

Maurice McCann, Midlothian Council project manager was full of enthusiam during a tour at Bilston.

One of the classrooms in Gore Glen Primary School, Gorebridge

He said: “Bilston only had the annexe and the pavilion as council assets within the area. So when we came to look at the new school, because it was going to be built on the existing football pitch, the replacement pitch goes on the site of the existing pavilion and annexe. And those buildings were incorporated in this new facility.

“There was also a community room within the pavilion which was heavily utilised.

“So what we had to do was work with the community through a consultation process to develop that community space and how it would be used. The idea with this now is that partitions can be pulled back to allow the community access to use large areas of the school.

“We want to cater for all areas of the community, as it has not had a focus before this. I think everyone here is excited about the school opening.

Bilston Primary School

“We also have the MUGA which the community can use outside school hours.”

The equally striking Gore Glen Primary School includes facilities for children with additional support needs.

Maurice added: “It is situated on the new Persimmon Homes site in Gorebridge.

“It’s obviously quite a new emerging community.

Bilston Primary School's sports hall

“We were involved with Gorebridge Community Council, who asked us for a noticeboard across the road from the school so that people in the new estate can be kept informed of what’s going on in Gorebridge.

“The top section of the school will open next Monday and the bottom section, which is still being worked on, will be completed by the end of August.”