Design award for Eastwood High

Judges for the prestigious BDP George Grenfell Baines Award were so impressed with the project that the school is to receive a special Best Designed award.

The £29 million Eastwood High opened in August 2013 and was one of the first in a pilot project.

Its success has now set the standard for new school buildings in Scotland.

Judges who visited the school this month praised the simple design and unusual choice of materials which gave a pleasing first impression.

They were also impressed with the airy central space that houses the information centre, dance studios, coffee shop and theatre space, describing it as being ‘really the heart of the school’.

The panel also highlighted that the design team had spent time consulting with pupils, staff and members of the community.

They said this had made a ‘real difference’ to the eventually adopted design, adding: “it was felt that the community had got 97 per cent of what they wanted and, as a result, a new focal point for the entire community”.

Education convener Elaine Green said: “The pupils, staff and wider community have an outstanding facility in Eastwood High.

“From its futuristic library to beautiful, light central area, it is remarkable throughout.”

Head teacher Stuart Maxwell said: “This award is thoroughly deserved and the school wishes to thank everyone involved in the process for delivering such a wonderful facility.”

Eastwood was the first to be built under the groundbreaking Schools for the Future programme.

It won funding for the Scottish Futures Trust towards the project and is now used as a template for new school design in Scotland.