PUPILS had a lot to look forward to as they walked through the doors of East Renfrewshire’s brand new primary school.

On Monday, the £15million development in the new community of Maidenhill, in Newton Mearns, welcomed youngsters to two primary one classes and children throughout the rest of the year classes, as well as those attending the new nursery class.

More than 800 homes are to be built in the surrounding area in the coming years.

Alasdair McDonald, Maidenhill Primary’s headteacher, told the Barrhead News: “I’m looking forward to working in partnership with our new children, families and staff in months and years ahead.

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“We have a really unique opportunity to not only build a brand new school but also shape the new community which is being established around us. 

“The facilities available to our young people are phenomenal and will offer our young people the very best learning environment possible.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Councillor Paul O’Kane, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, said: “The new Maidenhill Primary and nursery class will provide the required additional places which will be needed as families move into the new homes in the area.

“Both Kirkhill Primary and Mearns Primary already have high occupancy levels and the nurseries at Calderwood Lodge, Mearns and Hazeldene are almost at capacity.

“So we are also building for the future as people continue to move to East Renfrewshire.”

Catchment areas for Kirkhill and Mearns primaries have been revised to allow a third catchment area to be established for the new school.

The changes will have no impact on transfer arrangements to the associated secondary school.

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