The project will increase the school’s capacity by 500 pupils to meet the needs of new housing developments in the area.

It will include new classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, sports facilities, and an early years centre.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, cut the first turf on the new site. He said: “This is a significant investment in our young people and the wider community.

“The expanded school will meet the needs of a growing population and offer excellent new facilities for pupils and residents. We’re committed to creating top-quality spaces for our communities now and in the future.”

The Scottish Government is funding the project through its Learning Estate Investment Programme.

The development will include new indoor and outdoor community sports facilities that will be available for public use.

Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills said: "It was a pleasure to join pupils, staff and contractors to mark the start of work on the new Chryston High School expansion. It will add to the high quality learning spaces available for pupils, teachers and staff, and provide important facilities for the wider community.

"Through the £2 billion learning estate investment programme, the Scottish Government is driving improvements in schools across Scotland, with the number of schools in good or satisfactory condition increasing from 62.7% in 2007 to 91.7% in 2024."

Snowdrop Nursery will also move into the new campus, helping to build stronger links between the nursery and the school.

Gregg Orrock, Head Teacher of Chryston High School, added: “This is an exciting time for our school and community.

“The new extension will bring great new learning and social spaces. We’re also looking forward to working with BAM on a Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction Skills, giving our pupils real insight into careers in the industry.”

The construction is being led by BAM Construction, working with Hub South West.

The design team includes:

• BDP Architects
• Blyth & Blyth (Civil and Structural Engineers)
• Hulley & Kirkwood (Mechanical and Electrical Engineers)

Chryston High School serves the Northern Corridor, with pupils coming from Auchinloch, Chryston, Gartcosh, Moodiesburn, and Stepps primary schools.

The turf-cutting event took place on Wednesday 18 June and was attended by local councillors, Scottish Government representatives, Gregg Orrock and pupils.

Jim Ward, Regional Director at BAM Construction, said: “This project is the result of a strong partnership between Hub South West and North Lanarkshire Council. We’re proud to be building a modern, inclusive learning space that will help young people thrive.”

Shaun Sands, Programme Director at Hub South West, added: “This extension will improve the already excellent facilities at Chryston High. It’s a great example of working together to meet local needs with smart, sustainable solutions.”