Around 1,100 pupils will take up residence in their new purpose built school this week as the new Grangemouth High School opens its doors for the first time.

The school is the first in a series of four new replacement schools at a cost of £115m being built across the Falkirk Council area funded through a Not For Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO) model.

The school features state-of-the-art facilities and teaching equipment including a swimming pool; an all weather sports pitch and three grass pitches; a dance/fitness suite; a gym and sports hall and; a drama and stage area.

Incorporated into the design of the school are many innovative features such as such as an environmental garden; a sustainable rainwater harvesting system providing water to the toilet blocks; 'brise soleil' which acts as an external sun block to help prevent solar glare.

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Pupils have also been involved in the completion of the school with the design of new school gates into the pupil courtyard area.

Dr Alex Waddell, Convener of Education and Leisure said: "The building is an amazing addition to our school estate and will undoubtedly benefit both pupils and staff with its first class facilities.

"The previous building had come to the end of its working life however when the remaining three schools are completed, we can say that we have a modern learning environment for all our secondary pupils.

"Delivering the project via NPDO and on timetable is a major achievement and it means that from early February the local community in Grangemouth will be able access its many facilities outwith school hours for sports, leisure and other uses."

Lyn Brown, Grangemouth High's headteacher said: "Pupils and staff have looked forward to the opening for a long time and I am pleased to see all of our dreams finally coming true.

"The new school is magnificent and offers better opportunities to expand our teaching and make pupils experiences far more rewarding.

"I would like thank everyone for their patience in getting to where we are and in particular, John Derrick who oversaw the project for this school from the outset and for his hard work in helping to deliver this project for the entire Grangemouth community."

All of the new schools will incorporate innovative design with a strong sustainability element that will act as a natural 'focal point' for their communities and will provide a safe and stimulating environment for staff and pupils.

(GK/JM)