Pupils settling in to new £13million Stoneywood School

04 September 2018

Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders today (Tuesday 4 September) paid a special visit to pupils and staff at the new £13 million Stoneywood School.

Councillors Jenny Laing and Douglas Lumsden were given a tour of the new school, which opened its doors for the first time at the start of this term, by Head Teacher Gael Ross.

The single-storey building is based on sustainable design principles and features a range of facilities, including a large nursery, library and sensory room. Outdoor learning has been a key focus, with a sensory garden and orchard sitting alongside the new 4G sports pitch.

Stoneywood is one of three new schools opened in the city in the last year, along with Orchard Brae and Lochside Academy, under a £145 million capital programme investment in education by Aberdeen City Council.

During her tour of the school and its nursery, Cllr Laing said: “It’s wonderful to be here today and see just how quickly their fabulous new school has been embraced by pupils and staff alike.

“I have seen for myself that the facilities here are absolutely superb and our investment, combined with the fine leadership of Gael Ross, means that the pupils could not ask for a better start in education.”

Cllr Lumsden said: “We undertook this project following a consultation with local people. Coming along today and seeing the enjoyment on the faces of the pupils tells me we were fully justified in our judgement. This is a fantastic place for children to learn.”

Head Teacher Gael Ross said: “There has always been a huge sense of community in Stoneywood among pupils, staff and parents. Our fantastic new school has given us a new focus and an even greater sense of belonging and pride.

“I am so happy that so early in the new term the pupils love their surroundings already, while staff and parents are sharing a sense of excitement about the enhanced educational opportunities the new facilities offer us.”