James Young High reopens after £20m facelift

Nov 26 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

PUPILS, staff and guests joined forces to celebrate the multi-million pound refurbishment of a West Lothian school.

Angela Constance MSP unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the £19.66m facelift and extension of The James Young High School, in Livingston.

Work started on the project in May 2008 as part of a £59m investment which included Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston and St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn.

And the massive overhaul included a complete refurbishment of all areas, including a new reception, administration and pupil support block, enhanced pupil social spaces, new IT practical rooms and a spectacular dance studio.

There are also new classrooms for maths and English with a new layout for the library.

For visitors, the reception area gives a welcoming entrance to the school with glazing panels giving views into the pupil social areas.

There are interactive whiteboards in all classrooms and there will be Wi-Fi access across the entire school.

Angela Constance said: “Our children deserve the very best and the refurbishment and extension of The James Young High is hugely impressive and is great news for the pupils and staff who will benefit from this significant investment for years to come.” Executive councillor for education Andrew Miller agreed and said the changes improve the learning environment.

He commented: “The school now incorporates a very clever design which brings lots of natural light into the heart of the school. The improvements are quite striking and I think the whole school community can be really proud of the building.”

Head teacher, Chris Horne, said: “The entire school community was thrilled with the ‘new school’. We now have a wonderful working environment, which can only enhance the wide range of opportunities for learning and for wider achievement which we all enjoy.

“The pupils are very pleased with the improvements – especially the changes to the teaching areas and the new dance studio.

“They also love the central social space, which is a flexible and welcoming area which will serve all sorts of purposes,” added Mr Horne.