Pupils and staff at Ravenswood Primary School in Cumbernauld have made an emotional return to their school after a year away while a £4 million programme of improvement work was carried out.
The school was temporarily relocated to nearby St Mary’s Primary School for the 2025-26 academic year following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof.
Ravenswood was the only school in North Lanarkshire found to contain RAAC. The full decant of the school allowed the entire roof to be replaced and created the opportunity for a much greater level of refurbishment and modernisation.
The completed project included modernising teaching and learning spaces and improving the overall environment for pupils and staff.
Head Teacher Rhona Hawthorn said: “We are delighted to be returning to our own school building after moving out at the summer break last year. The design team has created a new, modern teaching environment which has been welcomed by both staff and pupils.
“This is an exciting time for the Ravenswood school community as we also celebrate our 50th anniversary. Staff and pupils are really excited about returning home.”
Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, said: “It is fantastic to see the pupils and staff of Ravenswood Primary returning home following this significant improvement work.
“Ravenswood Primary is at the heart of its local community, and I am delighted that pupils and staff can now return to a modernised school as they celebrate their special anniversary year.”
The finished project provides significantly improved facilities for the school community and is in line with the council’s £30 million targeted investment programme, which aims to improve the condition of school buildings, extend the life of properties and create warm, welcoming and modern teaching environments.
