West Lothian £35m school opens three years after RAAC discovery forced demolitions

Pupils at a West Lothian secondary walked into a brand new school building this week following the completion of a £35 million new wing.

More than 60% of St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn had to be demolished because of issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roofing planks discovered in March 2023.

St Kentigern’s is one of West Lothian’s largest schools, and serves pupils from towns and villages across the west of West Lothian.

The exterior of the new school. | Copyright BDP

Opened on Tuesday, April 14, the new extension to the school has been completed on time and within budget.

Interim Depute Chief Executive Greg Welsh said: “It’s fantastic to have the superb new replacement wing at St Kentigern’s Academy completed as planned.

“This will allow pupils to sit all their SQA exams in school for the first time in three years, and all subject areas will now be delivered from within the school going forward.

“The excellent new facilities will make a real positive difference to the learning experience of St Kentigern’s pupils for many years to come.

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The new building features a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court Games Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and a changing village.

The gym hall of the new school. | Copyright BDP

It also includes a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for all of the young people who attend the school.

“Special thanks go to the St Kentigern’s community for their understanding and support during the construction period, including school staff, parents/carers and especially our amazing young people.

“Our appreciation also goes to everyone who worked tirelessly to deliver this essential project in such a short time scale, including our development partner Hub South East, main contractor Heron Bros, BDP Architects, and colleagues from a range of services across the council.”