Official key handover at William McIlvanney Campus

The three new schools, Kilmarnock Academy, James Hamilton Primary and Early Childhood Centre and Sgoil na Coille Nuaidhe (New Woods School); opened on Wednesday 18 April and pupils have been busy exploring their spectacular new surroundings.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning and local elected members, Councillors John Campbell, Barry Douglas and Jon Herd, joined Councillor Reid at the official key handover.

Councillor Douglas Reid said: “The new campus is an investment in our young people. By providing them with state of the art facilities and educational resources, we are ensuring that our young people are ready for the future and the workplace.

“Kilmarnock Academy, which is now in its fourth location within the town, has science labs, technology suites, technical and motorbike workshops, a home economics kitchen and hairdressing teaching suite to ensure that the needs of all our young people are catered for. There are also exceptional sports facilities that will be open to the public out of school hours.

“James Hamilton Primary pupils have their own state of the art facilities and will also have access to facilities within Kilmarnock Academy. Sharing facilities is one of the major benefits of a joint campus and joint working between each school makes transition from primary to secondary school seamless.

“Early Years is a key priority for the Council and the new Early Childhood Centre is providing our youngest learners with wonderful facilities to help them get the best possible start to their education.

“The third new school, Sgoil na Coille Nuaidhe, has brought Gaelic language provision under the one roof and is a springboard to the current plans we have to develop and expand Gaelic culture in East Ayrshire. The school is an important focal point for our ambitions.

“The William McIlvanney Campus is a major investment which demonstrates our commitment to offering every pupil the very best education possible, inspiring them to succeed in school, further education, at work, in their local communities and in life.”

The campus was named in honour of the world-renowned author, William McIlvanney, who was born and educated in the town.

The new campus includes the former Kilmarnock Academy, James Hamilton Academy, New Farm Primary and Early Childhood Centre, Silverwood Primary and the Gaelic Medium Education provision previously offered by Onthank Primary and Grange Academy.

The campus was delivered through the Scottish Future’s Trust hub programme, Hub South West and built in partnership with Kier Construction. 

ENDS