Inverclyde's two new multi-million pound primary schools opened for pupils for the first time this week.

On Tuesday 16th February, Aileymill Primary in Norfolk Road in Greenock was formed by the merger of the former Ravenscraig and Earnhill Primary Schools and also includes Aileymill Nursery. It can accommodate 429 pupils.

The new 495 capacity All Saints Primary School in Blairmore Road in Greenock is made up of pupils from the former St Kenneth’s and St Laurence’s Primary Schools and is also home to Blairmore Nursery.

Inverclyde's Convener of Education and Lifelong Learning Councillor Iain McKenzie said: "Today marks the half-way stage in our ambitious £78 million PPP Schools Programme and I am delighted that so many more of our pupils can enjoy learning in such magnificent surroundings.

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"I know how hard the Schools Estate Team have worked to deliver All Saints and Aileymill on time so today is an important day for everyone involved. Also the local communities can now look forward to having access to first class facilities out of school hours."

Inverclyde Council’s PPP Schools Programme includes the new 950 capacity Clydeview Academy (an amalgamation of Gourock High School and Greenock Academy) on the former St Columba’s High School site in Gourock and the 850 capacity Notre Dame High School in Greenock. Both are scheduled for completion in spring 2011.

Councillor McKenzie added: "Parents and pupils are now starting to see a real difference in the quality of environment we are providing for teaching and learning in Inverclyde and I am sure our commitment to our young people will pay off in the long term. We are dedicated to producing educated, informed, responsible citizens and by giving them the best I am sure their enthusiasm for learning will be dramatically boosted."

(GK/BMcC)