Council hails 'major landmark moment' as new Wester Hailes High School opens to pupils after three-year project
The opening of the new education facility comes weeks after the leisure facilities on the Wester Hailes High School site reopened to the public
Wester Hailes High School has reopened to pupils after a three-year project to improve facilities.
Pupils returned from half term to the brand new school building, which replaces four separate teaching blocks with a single, modern education facility.
The 800-capacity building, delivered by construction company McLaughlin & Harvey, features a bright atrium and modern classrooms and every floor has a number of breakout rooms and retreat spaces.
While most buildings are set to be demolished as part of the regeneration project, one building has been retained and will be fully refurbished. This will be used as a community hub with accessible services for local people.
Local residents will be able to tour the new school facility during an open evening on Tuesday, October 27 from between 5pm and 7pm.
The demolition phase of the project will see the former school buildings flattened to make way for outdoor learning spaces, an urban woodland area, and a community allotment which will be made accessible to the local community.
Children, education and families convener, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: “Opening this new school building is a major landmark moment for pupils, staff and the wider community in Wester Hailes.
“I’m really impressed with the quality of the spaces, and the building is all set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support young people for generations to come.
“This investment is about more than just education. We’ve created a valuable community asset, bringing together learning, sport and support spaces in one accessible location. Through our Living Well Locally approach, we’re creating a hub that will help strengthen and serve the community for many years ahead.”
The new school building has also been building to Passivhaus standard, which focuses on minimising energy consumption and reducing reliability on active heating and cooling systems.
Dougie McCusker, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff enjoying the new building. Having been designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, the facility futureproofs the school’s estate for generations to come.
“Operationally, we faced the challenge of building the new facility while the school was still open and in close proximity to the construction works, however, we were able to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.
“The hard work by the whole project team, the designers, consultants and the client was definitely worth it when you see the cutting-edge building in use today.”
The opening of the new Wester Hailes High School comes just weeks after the leisure facilities onsite reopened following refurbishment.
Edinburgh Leisure reopened the swimming pool, gym and fitness centre on Thursday, October 1 after closing its doors in March 2025.
David McGlade, head of operations (Schools) at Edinburgh Leisure, said at the time: “The investment has created brighter activity spaces, upgraded changing accommodation and a wider range of opportunities for people to be active close to home.
“Alongside our gym, swimming and fitness offer, we’re particularly excited to expand our Active Communities programme, helping people of all ages overcome barriers to being active and supporting healthier, more active lives.”