£30m community Livingston high school opens

Nov 5 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A NEW state-of-the-art school has been officially opened in Livingston.

The £30 million Deans Community High School was officially opened by executive councillor for education, Andrew Miller.

The school is part of a £119 million investment in education facilities in West Lothian, which has seen two new secondary schools built and substantial refurbishments to three others.

The opening of the school had been delayed due to problems during construction, which meant it didn’t open until September instead of August as planned.

However, Councillor Miller said the new school was worth waiting for saying: said: “The new Deans Community High School and its excellent facilities will enhance the learning experience for pupils, and provide an invaluable resource for the whole community.”

Visitors entering the new Deans Community High School will be welcomed into an impressive central space in the circular reception, administration and pupil support block.

The advanced design of the building maximises natural ventilation and lighting, while the building management systems control the internal environment of the school, providing excellent learning conditions for the pupils.

The new secondary school has excellent physical education and recreation facilities for pupils and the community.

These include a games hall, gymnasium, dance studio, fitness room and a 25-metre, six lane, state-of-the-art swimming pool.

There is also a community café, theatre and exhibition space, and an all-weather pitch will be provided on the site of the old school building once it has been demolished.