Work has started on a state-of-the-art £18.8m school for children in Renfrewshire with additional support needs.

Pupils, school staff, councillors and contractors recently attended a sod-cutting ceremony on the site of the former St Brendan’s High School on Middleton Road, Linwood.

The new school – scheduled to open in August 2016 – will replace the existing Clippens School, Kersland School and the Hollybush pre-5 centre.

The school has been jointly funded by Renfrewshire Council £10.1m) and the Scottish Futures Trust (£8.7m).

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board , said: “There has been a lot of hard work, discussion and consultation to get to this point and it is very encouraging to launch the final phase of this ambitious project.

“We will provide a school which will maximise the potential of young people, their families and the staff.

“Renfrewshire is building on our existing work with children who have additional support needs and maintaining that same ethos of support and achievement in an outstanding new environment.”

Pre-five, primary and secondary education will all be offered on the one site – the first time in Renfrewshire that children aged up to 2 have been based at a facility which can offer them educational and personal development throughout their school career.

The purpose-built facility will offer improved accessibility for pupils with physical or sensory difficulties, along with better access to sports facilities and IT equipment.

Specialist staff will be located on site widening the range of expertise available to the children.

James McAlpine, managing director of contractors CBC, said: Having recently completed the new St James’ school campus in Renfrew, we are delighted to be helping to deliver this exciting, innovative and inspirational project. The new school will be a huge asset to the local community and CBC are very proud to be bringing it to life.”

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