A significant milestone for Galashiels was marked this month as the new Galashiels Academy opened its doors to pupils and staff for the first time.
On the 6th of January, hundreds of pupils and staff gathered outside the impressive new community campus to begin a new chapter in education for the town. The morning was one of excitement and celebration, with Galashiels Town Band welcoming everyone as they arrived. Head boy Hamish Seggie and head girl Aimee McAneny had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially mark the opening.
The £64 million campus replaces the existing secondary school and has been designed to support the delivery of a modern, 21st century curriculum. The building includes light and welcoming atrium spaces that encourage collaboration and interaction, alongside flexible breakout areas to support different styles of learning and teaching.
The campus also brings enhanced sporting facilities that will benefit both pupils and the wider community. These include a new 25 metre six lane swimming pool and a hydrotherapy pool, with further improvements planned as part of the next phase of the project. Phase two will see the demolition of the old school building, allowing for the redevelopment of Scott Park.
Headteacher Steven Raeburn described the opening as a new and exciting chapter for education in Galashiels, highlighting the quality of the building and the opportunities it creates for young people. He spoke of the campus as an inspiring, shared space that will support learning, ambition and aspiration, while also serving the wider community.
As pupils settle into their new surroundings, the opening of the new Galashiels Academy stands as a positive investment in the future of the town, its young people and the community spaces they will share for years to come.
