Developing schools: our vision
With 41 schools across our primary and secondary estate, there are no two school buildings that are identical. This reflects the age and condition of some of our buildings, the school population and previous development. This also informs investment in our schools. 
As society, the curriculum and technology has developed, the way that learning is delivered has also changed. Open plan arrangements in primary schools offer classes a chance to co-operate and share their learning. Enhanced spaces in secondary schools can help prepare young people for the world of work through the application of practical skills such as home economics, or in partnership with other facilities such as college. Schools can also be important buildings within their community providing space for external groups.
Here are some examples of developments that have been undertaken and refurbishments that are ongoing as examples of how our buildings can support the delivery of high-quality learning.
1140hours nursery expansion
The expansion of funded early learning and childcare hours has led to a programme of works to increase nursery capacity across our facilities. Funding from the Scottish Government was used to alter, extend or build early years provision across the county including Pinkie St Peters, Windygoul, Law Primary School and West Barns. The improved spaces provide opportunities for imaginative play through carefully-designed inside and outdoors space, along with all the other facilities needed for high quality learning and childcare.
Letham Mains Primary School
East Lothian's newest primary school was built on land to the west of Haddington to provide learning facilities for children in the new Letham Mains' developments. Planning permission was granted for 809 new houses on the site with the school funded entirely through developers’ contributions for housing at the Letham Mains area. The new school has 14 classrooms, an early learning and childcare centre, a dining hall, dance space and a two-court sports hall with retractable seating for performance and community use. The external areas have been designed for outdoor learning, PE and play.
Dunbar Grammar School
A multi-million pound L-shaped extension opened at Dunbar Grammar School in 2018 to offer increased space for pupils and to enhance opportunities for learning in a number of practical subjects. The extension includes a Home Economics department with a training kitchen, a new learning resource centre, classrooms, pupil support suite and offices, as well as a full-sized all weather sports pitch outside.
North Berwick High School and Ross High Schools
Both schools have been subject to extensions which completed in 2022 to increase space for learning and sociailising to meet the needs of their growing school populations. Additional extensions at Ross High School provided a sports hall, changing facilities and PE staff hub, while work is currently underway to create new sports pitches following an expansion of the school's boundary to enable the council to meet its statutory responsibilitis in this area.
Wallyford Learning Campus
East Lothian's newest secondary school, Rosehill HIgh School, opened to learners in August 2023. Alongside modern teaching and social spaces, the new school include specialist provision for young people with severe and complex needs, a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) centre. The re-lcoated Margaret Oliphant Library, Wallyford Community Centre and sports facilities ensure this is a facility that will benefit the wider area.The £46m building has been designed to complement the neighbouring Wallyford primary school with extensive glazing, access to natural light and brick-clad facades.
Whitecraig Primary School
Work has started on a replacement primary school in Whitecraig to serve a growing school population driven by growth in the local area. Built on land adjacent to the current school, the new primary will combine eight classrooms with an integrated early learning facility. Landscaped spaces have been designed to iprove pedestrian and cyclist safety with a dedicated community entrance provided to the north east. Upgrades will also take place to Whitecraig Road. The project has received fudning from phase one of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme. The new school is due to open to children in 2024/25, after which time the old school will be safely demolished.
Blindwells and Craighall Primary Schools
Two new primary schools are currently under construction at Blindwells, East Lothian's newest town, and Craighall. The primary schools are required to meet demand from ongoing and planned housebuilding in the areas. Each school will provide accommodation for up to 420 learners and an early learning and childcare centre offering 100 places for 2-5 year olds. Children who have already moved into the Craighall and Blindwells catchment areas are being accommodated within Stoneyhill and Cockenzie Primary Schools respectively.
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