A significant milestone has been reached in the preparation to build a new primary school in Clovenfords, with confirmation that land for the new school site has been acquired by Scottish Borders Council.

The new school will replace the existing Caddonfoot school, which lacks many of the facilities essential in a modern school: three of its five classes and its nursery are in temporary buildings; pupils have to eat lunch at their desks; games and play areas are inadequate, and it is remote from the community it serves.

With five large classrooms, a general purpose room for music or other activities, nursery and a multi purpose assembly/games hall, separate kitchen and dining area/library, the new school meets the Council's exacting School of the Future standard.

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The design for the school reflects many feature of the local rural architecture, which ideally suits its hillside setting. The 1.5 hectare site will also provide excellent space for sports and games. Capacity to seamlessly expand the school if required in the future has been designed-in.

Most pupils will be able walk safely to school, which will be located in the centre of Clovenfords, although details on the vehicle access road are still to be resolved.

Head teacher Alison Sutherland will be talking to pupils, parents and the community to agree a name for the school.

Clovenfords based Councillor Gavin Logan said "I am delighted with this news and am sure that parents will be very pleased."

Executive member for Education, Councillor Catriona Bhatia, added: "This has taken a long time to resolve, but I am delighted that we can demonstrate the progress made and give a timescale for delivery of the new school."

After the tender process work is expected to begin in spring 2011.

(GK/JM)