It also marks the end of the £61 million project to deliver three new schools and shared sports facility, which is West Lothian’s largest ever investment in education.

To mark the occasion, staff, pupils and invited guests were treated to an event featuring musical performances from talented Winchburgh Academy pupils.

The guest of honour was Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, who unveiled special plaques that will be put in place on each building.

Kirsteen Sullivan MP said: “I am delighted to officially open Winchburgh Academy and the Sport and Wellbeing Hub. Both the school and hub have been open for some time and have already proven themselves to be huge assets for the growing community of Winchburgh.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering the Winchburgh schools project for their hard work to provide such superb facilities for learning for our young people.”

The new schools are required to cope with the demand for school places in the growing core development of Winchburgh, with at least 3,800 new homes expected to be built.

Funding for the new schools comes from developer contributions from Winchburgh Developments Ltd, which developers are legally required to make as a condition of building homes in the area. 

A further new primary school for Winchburgh is also under construction at Hawkhill to ensure there are enough school places to meet the needs of the growing community, which is also funded through developer contributions.

The construction of the Winchburgh Schools Project was delivered on time and on budget on behalf of West Lothian Council by development partner Hub South East, with Morrison Construction as the primary contractor.

Winchburgh Academy Headteacher Jonny Mitchell added: “It was fantastic to welcome Kirsteen Sullivan MP and our special guests into our school for the official opening ceremony.

“We are fortunate to have a state-of-the-art building at Winchburgh Academy, which helps enable us to deliver high-quality education for our young learners. Thanks to everyone who came along to join us for the special event.”