'New chapter' for Glasgow school as it celebrates official opening

Councillor Christina Cannon, the city’s education convener, unveiled the plaque with proud headteacher Susan Thomson.

Councillor Cannon told the audience of children and teachers: “Your school is amazing, there are so many brilliant features it is hard to say what I love the most.”

The school stands on the site of the former North Kelvinside Secondary. When the high school was demolished, its war memorial was donated to Ruchill Kelvinside Church, whose congregation has now returned it to the primary school.

Young pupils at the opening ceremony (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

“This brilliantly signifies the coming together of the old and new – it has rightly come home,” added Councillor Cannon.

The new, state-of-the-art school brings together around 330 pupils from primaries across the north of the city in a £23m building, which has been created around a light-filled central atrium.

It was designed by the council's in-house team and built by City Building. Pupils, staff and the North Kelvinside parent group worked with architects on the design of the building.

It has 12 classrooms and two general purpose rooms with a MUGA court outside and an all-weather 5G pitch that will be used by the community outwith school hours. Outside, a sensory garden is now in bloom.

Councillor Cannon unveils the plaque as headteacher Susan Thomson looks on (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

North Kelvinside is currently home to the Calton Gaelic school, which is sharing facilities until its own building in the East End is ready.

“I am delighted to perform the official opening ceremony today, and I am glad we are not using one of the names put forward in the public consultation,” added Councillor Cannon.

“Otherwise, we would be opening Schooly McSchoolface Primary.”