The region currently has 67 primary schools and primary-age pupils make up the largest section of West Lothian’s school population of approximately 30,000.

Work for two new primary schools is already under way, with the £14.7m Calderwood Primary in East Calder expected to open later this year and the £9.4m Holy Family Primary in Winchburgh welcoming pupils in 2023.

Plans are already being progressed for a £12m replacement for East Calder Primary, with potential for up to three further new primary schools in areas of proposed developments, such as Winchburgh and Bangour. Further investment to expand and improve a number of primary schools around West Lothian has also been agreed by the council as part of the capital budget set last month.

Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: “West Lothian children deserve the best possible platform for learning, which is why the council continues to invest heavily in improving our school estate.

“Primary-age pupils makes up the largest group in West Lothian’s schools, and it’s vital we continue to ensure they have the facilities they need at this vital stage.

“With up to six new primary schools, as well as the number of extension and improvement programmes, will ensure we have excellent schools suitable for local families, as well as the growing numbers who are choosing to relocate to West Lothian.”

Extensions are planned over the next seven years to a number of West Lothian primaries to cater for growing demand. These include:

• £5.5m for Pumpherston and Uphall Community Primary School;
• £5.1m for St Paul’s in East Calder;
• £4m for St Mary’s in Polbeth;
• £3m for Southdale in Armadale;
• £2.2m for Croftmalloch and Polkemmet primaries in Whitburn;
• and £670,000 for Livingston Village Primary.

Other major investments in West Lothian primary schools includes £2m for access and other improvements to Deans Primary in Livingston, £1.8m for a new kitchen and other works at Eastertoun Primary in Armadale and £1.5m for roof and energy efficiency enhancements at St Joseph’s Primary in Whitburn.

A further £4.3m will be spent on a planned improvement programme for local primaries, with significant investment in schools including: Kirkhill in Broxburn; Our Lady of Lourdes in Blackburn; Parkhead in West Calder; and Riverside, Peel and St John Ogilvie primaries, all Livingston. 

Already this month, the council has announced an investment of more than £16m on planned improvements within local schools over the next seven years, while BAM said it will begin a £5.8m redevelopment of Pinewood School in Blackburn from next month.

Meanwhile, West Lothian Council is to spend £700,000 to repair and upgrade schools during the Easter holidays.

The two-week programme of works includes continuing roof replacement work at both Inveralmond Community High School and Toronto Primary in Livingston at a combined cost of over £260,000. 

It also contains £94,000 for render replacement, which will start in Easter, and re-decoration of classrooms at Greenrigg Primary; over £30,000 for replacing toilet facilities at Bonnytoun Nursery in Linlithgow; and £2,500 for IT works at Longridge Primary.

Councillor Dodds said: “West Lothian has one of the best school estates in the country, and it’s important we continue to maintain these assets. Schools across West Lothian are getting vital work safely carried out as part of the programme, ready for pupils returning after the Easter holidays.”