Moray Council has officially approved a project to internally repurpose Elgin High School, following confirmation that a multi-million-pound physical extension is no longer required to meet future pupil demand.

The decision, taken at a full council meeting on 28 January 2026, shifts the focus from a new build to a more cost-effective reconfiguration of the existing school building.

The move follows a pause in the original extension project in November 2024, triggered by school census data showing a significant decline in projected pupil numbers. While initial forecasts suggested the school roll would reach 1,150 by 2028, independent verification and September 2025 census data now indicate numbers are likely to remain below 900. This trend reflects a wider national decline in primary school enrolments that is now beginning to impact secondary education.

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Key details of the repurposing project:

- Capacity: The school will be able to accommodate up to 950 pupils through improved space management.

- Teaching Spaces: Four new classrooms will be created, and the current staff room will be converted into teaching space.

- Additional Facilities: Plans include the creation of a new library and a smaller, dedicated staff room.

- Timeline: Works are estimated for completion by the end of 2027, with much of the construction scheduled for school holidays to minimise pupil disruption.

- Cost: The repurposing is estimated at approximately £1 million, significantly lower than the nearly £15 million estimated for the original extension.

The decision resulted in the loss of £8.3 million in capital funding previously earmarked by the Scottish Government. However, council officials noted that the repurposed solution remains the most financially responsible path for Moray Council.

Leader of Moray Council and Chair of the Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, stated: "Elgin High School is a much-loved part of the community, and we want to make sure it continues to meet pupils' needs for years to come. These reviews have given us confidence that by making better use of the space already there, we can create the right learning environment and use resources wisely to benefit young people in Elgin. I also thank community representatives and lay members of the education committee for their input during the engagement process."

The council's study confirmed that with adjustments to timetabling and more efficient room utilisation, the current building's footprint is sufficient to manage the expected capacity for the foreseeable future.