THE new £61 million Nairn Academy will open its doors to pupils in October this year, the Highland Council has announced.
The revised opening date represents a change from the previously scheduled target of August 2026.
Contractor Balfour Beatty has notified Highland Council of a short delay in the final building works, with completion now expected in September.
To enable a smooth transition for staff and pupils, and to minimise disruption during term time, the new opening date has been set for October 26. Changing the opening date does not carry any additional budgetary implications, the council added.
Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, councillor John Finlayson, said, “The build is a hugely exciting project for Nairn, and for Highland, and we are all eager to see the new facilities open and ready for use. Since construction began last year the development has progressed well, but it is important pupils’ learning is not disrupted by the final work, and the subsequent move from the existing school.
“Lessons learned from recently completed projects suggest that a longer transition period is required for schools, and particularly secondary schools. An October opening will make sure that there is adequate time for pupils and staff to prepare for the move to the new building before it becomes fully operational.
“When it opens, we will see an outstanding facility, and a high-quality learning environment that will serve the young people of Nairn, and its wider community, for years to come.”
The new three-storey school will have capacity for 800 pupils and will also include sports facilities that include a new synthetic grass pitch, multi-use games area, a 100-metre running track, games hall, gymnasium, and fitness suite.
