Councillors agreed in principle the case to construct the proposed new campus on the current Hazlehead Academy playing fields, which will be put forward to the council’s annual budget setting process in early 2024.

Councillor Martin Greig, Education and Children’s Services convener, said: “Today’s decisions are a great step forward in improving local schools. Upgrading the school estate right across the city is a key priority for the council. The St Peters School community are very supportive of our plans. The young people will really benefit from the higher standard of classrooms and open spaces. The new Hazlehead Academy will transform the learning experience for Hazlehead pupils.

The secondary school would serve a new catchment area of Hazlehead and Countesswells associated school groups.

A new St Peter’s Roman Catholic School would be built within Old Aberdeen House along with a two-storey extension.

Finance and Resources convener, Councillor Alex McLellan, said: “The local community have been asking for an investment in St Peter’s School, in its current location, for a long time. I’m delighted to finally see that moving forward, and looking forward to seeing it benefitting pupils, teaching staff and the wider school community.

“The proposals to bring this Victorian school up to modern standards will also offer wider benefits to our city - it will allow us to test out how we make granite buildings fit for a Net-Zero future.”

Updated plans will be included in the council’s budget. The outcome of a public consultation on the Hazlehead proposals will be provided to the Education and Children’s Services committee next summer.