Following completion of the enabling works, construction of the new school building commenced from the end of October 2023 and the main works phase of the project is due to be complete by Autumn 2025.

In recent months the earthworks and foundations have been completed to allow the frame to be constructed with the aid of a tower crane which is an unusual temporary addition to the Peebles skyline.

Works are continuing with the pouring of the concrete and BAM Construction have now commenced with the installation of roof lights which are going to be a significant feature within the internal atrium spaces of the completed building.

Once the new school is built and decant complete, the old school will be demolished and replaced with landscaping.

The new school will deliver transformational benefits to the children and young people using it and also provide wider benefits to the local communities they serve.

Built across two storeys on an existing grass pitch within the current school boundary, it will feature modern learning areas with attractive atrium spaces for collaboration and interaction. The building will also be very energy efficient with no fossil fuel used for heating which will instead be provided via air source heat pumps. The roof will also have planted green areas to assist in attenuating rainwater to lessen the impact on the drainage network.

Designed with involvement from the community, the campus will benefit the wider community providing an active landscape with opportunities for team sports, exercise classes, and routes for walking and running.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for Education and Lifelong Learning said: “The delivery of this world-class educational facility for Peebles outlines SBC’s strengthening commitment to renewing the school estate across the Scottish Borders and prioritising the futures of our children and young people.

“Projects like this, placing young people at its heart, are what we must continue to aspire to. They represent an investment in future generations, an investment in the local area and the people who stay within it.

“It is incredibly pleasing to see good progress made and the new school start to take physical shape. It has been years of hard work to get to this point by engaging with the local community and the school to define and refine this new facility, ultimately making something they can be proud of.”

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s project director added: “The new Peebles High School is one of a number of inspiring learning estate projects we are delivering in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and it’s great to see the build really taking shape.

“The new sports pitch is already being enjoyed locally and it’s been great to hear the excitement in the school and beyond for what will be a fantastic new learning space and asset for the Peebles community.”

Jim Ward, regional director of construction at BAM Construction, said: “We are delighted to reach this critical construction milestone at Peebles High School. With the superstructure complete, our focus now shifts to installing the partition walls and fitting out classrooms. We are committed to delivering a modern, inspiring learning environment that will benefit students and the community for years to come.”