Official Opening of St Columba RC and Woodmilll High Schools

The schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus were officially opened today by Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP and Fife Council Leader, Cllr David Ross. 

Pupils and staff have been using the new schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus since August but today saw their ‘official’ opening.   

Guests were welcomed by Fife Council’s Chief Executive, Ken Gourlay, before being treated to musical performances from both schools.   

First Minister, John Swinney MSP said: “Investing in our children’s education is one of the most important investments we can make and my government is determined to continue to deliver progress in Education. The pupils of the two schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning in state of the art and modern facilities.

“It is my pleasure to officially open the schools within the Dunfermline Learning Campus and to see this fantastic facility come to life which has been supported by over £53 million of Scottish Government investment.

“There is so much to be proud of in Scottish education, with literacy and numeracy at a record high and record numbers of our young people going on to university.  Our budget will invest to ensure we can continue this progress."

Council Leader, Cllr David Ross said: "The opening of the two schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus is a proud moment for Fife. This £122 million investment demonstrates our commitment to providing top-quality education facilities. The campus offers students an inspiring place to learn and grow, equipped with the latest technology and sustainable features. 

"The community use facilities are also second to none. They will not only benefit students but also the wider community, encouraging well-being and helping our sports clubs to thrive.  

"During the opening ceremony today, we were treated to amazing performances from students, showcasing the talent within the schools. I would like to thank all those involved in making this day so special and to the schools for warmly welcoming us.”  

Fife Council is working in partnership with Fife College and The Scottish Government to create Dunfermline Learning Campus. Once fully complete, the campus will bring together students and staff from St Columba’s RC High School, Woodmill High School, and Fife College in a modern, low-carbon facilities.   

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: "We’re so pleased to see the official opening of Woodmill High School and St Columba’s RC High School today, and honoured to be the schools’ partner at the Dunfermline Learning Campus.

"Fife College’s relationship with the schools is a trailblazer for the future of joined-up education and skills in Scotland. Together, we’re working to create a student-centred, innovative pathway for students to move from school to college, and on to work and further study.

"The Dunfermline Learning Campus represents a remarkable investment in the young people of West Fife, and we are proud to work alongside our school colleagues to turn this vision into reality."

The schools’ project, managed by hub East Central Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme, has created sustainable and digitally enabled learning spaces. The schools are designed to achieve Passivhaus accreditation, ensuring energy efficiency and users' comfort. The project reflects Fife Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.  

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: "We are proud to have worked with Fife Council and the design team to deliver one of the most innovative, sustainable new learning campuses in Scotland. The collaboration and commitment across the team throughout this project was inspirational. The result is one of the world’s largest Passivhaus rated buildings that will meet the needs of the community for generations to come.”

BAM Construction was the main contractor for the schools. They started work creating the £122m new school buildings in September 2021 and completed the schools in Summer 2024.