The main contractor started work creating the new campus in September 2021. This initial phase of work is nearing completion and the site is now ready for the next phase. The contract for the new schools is now agreed and building work has started in anticipation of the doors to the new St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School opening to pupils in August 2024.

The project is procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland.

Education spokesperson at Fife Council, Cllr Cara Hilton, said: “This marks another major step forward in bringing two high schools and Fife College together on one site in Dunfermline.

“As a local parent, I’ve campaigned for new high schools for more than a decade and I’m so excited this is finally happening.

“This is a huge opportunity for young people in Dunfermline and across Fife. A shared learning campus and the first-class facilities it will bring will open many different routes for our young people - improving attainment, employability skills and positive destinations.”

Cabinet secretary for education and skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Following the fire at Woodmill High School, in 2019, we have been clear in our commitment to provide funding support for replacing Woodmill and St Columba’s High Schools, as part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus, through our £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme.

“Modern, state-of-the-art learning facilities can inspire pupils, staff and parents and make a positive difference to learning outcomes, and it is fantastic to see the schools element of this exciting project – which is the biggest education infrastructure project in Scotland – starting construction.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Now that we have achieved this important milestone, the project can move into the next construction phase, and we look forward to delivering a new, high quality learning campus that will meet all the needs of the community it serves for many years to come.”

BAM’s track record of building schools and education facilities around Scotland – among many other types of building - is extensive.

Martin Cooper, BAM’s construction director, who himself comes from Fife, said: “We’ve established strong and positive relationships here already and are keen to help make a big difference creating the new campus, not just simply by doing it, but by how we do it.

“We’ll bring our customary energy and problem-solving approach to bear as always, but we’ll actively be looking too for how we can work with the local community, its suppliers and businesses, to help give something extra back.

“It’s going to be a genuinely transformative experience and BAM is very proud to be part of it.”

Fife Council is working in partnership with Fife College and the Scottish Government to create the Dunfermline Learning Campus. The project is procured and managed for Fife Council by hub East Central Scotland.

Principal of Fife College, Dr Hugh Hall said: “We’re incredibly ambitious about what we want to achieve with our new campus. Not only will it provide world-class facilities and learning experiences for our students, our communities and regional businesses, the campus will be built to reflect our ambitious Climate Change Strategy and Net Zero commitments.

“Advanced works on our new Dunfermline campus started in June and we continue to work towards an open date of summer 2024.”

Dunfermline Learning Campus will bring together pupils, students and staff at St Columba’s RC High School, Woodmill High School and Fife College in modern, fit for purpose and low carbon facilities.

The schools at Dunfermline Learning campus will offer:

• innovative internal spaces,
• a pioneering ‘Learning Lab’ featuring performance analysis, media studio, recording booth, food technology and extensive creative project space,
• inspiring learning plazas promoting collaboration,
• breakout booths to allow for individual study,
• digitally enabled learning spaces,
• a range of outdoor learning spaces,
• community facilities,
• internal sports halls, gym halls, fitness suite and dance studio,
• external grass sports pitches, all-weather sports pitches, and multi-use games areas.

Dunfermline Learning Campus is due to open in Summer 2024.