CONSTRUCTION is complete at the £32.5 million Bertha Park High School – described as the first ‘brand new’ secondary school in Scotland for more than quarter of a century.
The school, located on the outskirts of Perth, will open next month following a project, led by hub East Central Scotland on behalf of Perth & Kinross Council. Robertson was the main contractor.
The school is entirely new, rather than a replacement for an existing one. Part of the Scottish Government’s Schools for the Future programme, Bertha Park will eventually accommodate up to 1100 pupils – with around 200 S1 and S2 pupils due to start the 19/20 school term.
Features include a sports hall, gym, full size grass and synthetic football pitches as well as a multi-use games area.
Bertha Park is one of only 17 schools in the world – and the only one in the UK – selected to be part of the Microsoft Flagship Schools programme. The US technology giant has advised on how to make the most of technology to improve the learning experience for pupils and give staff increased flexibility.
Kevin Dickson, MD of Robertson Tayside said, “Bertha Park is set to be one of the most advanced schools not only in Scotland but across the UK and beyond. Partnership working has been crucial to delivering this state-of-the-art facility and Robertson has been privileged to serve as the main contractor. The built environment can have an enormous impact on the education experience and while our work is now complete, we are genuinely excited to see how the story of the school unfolds. We wish all pupils and staff the very best and have no doubt they will thoroughly enjoy their time at Bertha Park.”
Gary Bushnell, chief executive at hub East Central Scotland added, “We have worked closely with all of the stakeholders involved in this unique project to manage it to successful completion. Bertha Park is the sixth school delivered by our team at hub for Perth & Kinross Council and is built to the highest standard, creating a unique digital-learning centre of excellence in the most contemporary environment.”
Councillor Caroline Shiers, Perth & Kinross Council’s lifelong learning convener commented, “This is an exciting time for us as we look forward to Bertha Park High School opening its doors to the first group of pupils following this partnership with hub East Central Scotland and Robertson. The development of the brand new school is an important part of the Council’s programme to transform the school estate in Perth and Kinross and enable it to deliver a high quality environment for learning and teaching into the future.”
