Extension works take shape at St Andrews School

The extension and refurbishment works at St Andrews Primary School continues to move forward with a transformed art room and sections of the new PE hall lifted into place.

It proved to be of great interest to some of the pupils, according to Head Teacher Mark Taylor.

“It’s so exciting for us to watch as the refurbishment works and extension take shape. Mrs Ewing is very excited with our new transformed Art Room that was completed during the holidays - what a fantastic addition to our school.

“The new sections of the PE hall are now in place and it’s easier for everyone to gauge a sense of how the new school will look. We are delighted with progress and look forward to its completion.”

The turf cutting ceremony took place in March to signal the start of the major extension and refurbishment works. Orkney Islands Council awarded the £3.6 million contract to local company Casey Construction.

The two-year project comprises the construction of a new-build nursery and extension to the PE hall, along with improvements to the existing school, including drainage.

The extension will allow the school to accommodate up to eight classes. It is anticipated that the project will allow for an increasing pupil roll and thereby future-proof the school.

St Andrews School opened 25 years ago, bringing 140 children from the three East Mainland parishes together. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, and very quickly outgrew the first addition to the school building which was completed in 2003. Today in 2021, St Andrews has around 215 pupils.

Photos: courtesy of St Andrews School