The staff and pupils of McLaren High School in Callendar started the new academic year last week in their fully refurbished school.

The original school, which opened on the current site in 1965, has been transformed by construction consortium Stirling Gateway Ltd as part of the Stirling Council schools £100m rebuilding and refurbishment programme.

Work on upgrading the school in a number of phases has been ongoing since March 2006 and staff and pupils have been able to move in to the new areas once they have been completed.

Speaking following the first day headteacher Peter Martin said: "The refurbishment has delivered first class learning and teaching spaces together with attractive social areas. It has been very well received by pupils and staff, and I am sure that the physical environment will help motivate and engage young people."

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A dramatic new school entrance on the site of the former technical area has been created along with a new outdoor social space where the former bus turning circle stood.

The existing three-storey building has increased in size with sixteen classrooms being added to replace the huts that were previously used. Inside other additions include new build music practice rooms and a new indoor social space and drama area.

Councillor Graham Lambie, portfolio holder for Children and Lifelong Learning and former pupil visited the school and shared some of his own memories. He said: "It's great to be back after so many years and see that despite the changes that the character of the old school has been retained. I'm also pleased to hear so many positive comments from the staff and pupils on their new accommodation and I'm sure it will be an excellent environment for teaching and learning."

David Spiller, Director of Stirling Gateway Ltd is also pleased with the finished building. He said: "The refurbishment, extension and upgrading of this 'live' school was always going to be challenging but I believe our team have provided and executed an excellent result under difficult circumstances, with minimum disruption to education through working closely with the school management team."

Under the 31 year PPP contract, FES FM will be responsible for maintenance of the new school as well as cleaning and security. Stirling Council will continue to be responsible for education policy at the school and the employment of all teaching, administrative, and catering staff.

(GK/JM)