Proposals to extend the school ahead of the previous schedule were agreed by West Lothian Council after the numbers of school-aged children in the growing development rose significantly and above historical trends.

Calderwood Primary was specifically designed to allow an extension to be put in place when pupil numbers increased, which will increase the school capacity from 462 to 693.

The £8 million project will be fully met through developer contributions from house building in the area. Work is expected to begin onsite in October 2023 and be completed in time for the next academic year in August 2024.

Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: “The huge success of Calderwood Primary and the popularity of the wider development with young families means the planned extension is now required.

“I’m delighted that we are able to bring forward the project and transform Calderwood into a three-stream school that was always planned.

“West Lothian already has one of the best school estates in Scotland and this investment will help ensure that our pupils have the best possible platform for learning.”

The same team who successfully delivered the original school, development partner Hub South East and main contractor Morrison Construction, have been appointed to deliver the extension.

This should ensure that knowledge and expertise from the original Calderwood build are carried forward into the extension project.