St Anthonys Primary School, Armadale

A £3 million investment has helped to transform the learning environment at St Anthony’s Primary in Armadale.

Hadden Construction has now completed a major programme of works at the school for West Lothian Council including an extension with two additional classrooms, new gym hall, general purpose room and support for learning base.

The ongoing revamp of the school’s external environment has also included a new access road on the south side of the school, a new main entrance and reception area, additional playground and reclaiming an area of overgrown landscape to form a new external teaching space.

West Lothian Council executive councillor for education Lawrence Fitzpatrick visited the school recently to officially open the extension, along with Head of Service of Education James Cameron. They were welcomed by a special event put on by talented St Anthony’s pupils, featuring piper Ross McWilliam and performances by the school’s choir.

Councillor Fitzpatrick, himself a former pupil of St Anthony’s, said: “I’m delighted to declare this £3million extension to St. Anthony’s Primary in Armadale open.

“The additional space will help the school grow and ensure it can cater for the increasing demand as the town of Armadale continues to expand. The new gym hall and classrooms in particular are excellent, and will boost the learning environment for St Anthony’s pupils.

“West Lothian already has one of the best school estates in Scotland, and we will continue to invest in the infrastructure required to support pupils to achieve their full potential.”

St. Anthony’s headteacher James McCrory said: “The new extension and other works have given a huge boost to the whole community at St Anthony’s.

“The additional and improved spaces inside the school and out will allow us to deliver more varied educational opportunities for our pupils.”

Scott Hadden from Hadden Construction added: “We’re really pleased to have delivered such fantastic new facilities for St Anthony’s in partnership with West Lothian Council and are sure that the pupils will enjoy the new school accommodation, especially the gym hall!”