New Education & Community Campus Officially Opens

Proud pupils and campus staff joined Councillors and family members as the new education and community campus in Faifley was officially opened.

The Campus, which will provide state-of-the-art learning, childcare, sport and community facilities for generations to come, was opened by West Dunbartonshire Council Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Michelle McGinty.

As part of the opening ceremony, guests were entertained with uplifting songs and a performance by pupils in the brass ensemble. Talented pupils also performed a special dance ‘The Cochno Stone’, choreographed to celebrate heritage, community, belonging and discovery.

Built on the site of the former St Joseph’s Primary School, the new campus is home to Edinbarnet Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Faifley Early Learning and Childcare Centres, the Rainbow base, an Education Resource Service, community facilities replacing the Skypoint Centre, and a new community library.

The campus also includes an all-weather sports pitch, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and extensive outdoor play spaces designed to encourage physical activity and outdoor learning.

Designed to create a vibrant, learner-centred environment, the campus features a range of flexible spaces including amphitheatres, reading nooks, breakout areas and outdoor learning environments. The contemporary building has been inspired by the historic Cochno Stone, using a palette of durable, high-quality materials which reflect the area’s rich heritage.

Developed through a collaborative design process involving pupils, staff and the wider community, the campus challenges traditional approaches to school design by creating adaptable spaces that promote independence, creativity, collaboration and the Passivhaus-designed building provides a modern, energy-efficient learning environment.

The project has been delivered through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme in partnership with Hub West Scotland.

West Dunbartonshire Council Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Michelle McGinty, said: “The opening of Faifley Campus marks a hugely significant milestone for the community and represents the biggest investment in the area since Faifley was first built.

“This outstanding facility provides first-class learning environments for our children and young people while also delivering modern community resources that will benefit local residents for many years to come.

“The campus brings together education, early learning and childcare, additional support needs provision, a new library and community facilities in one accessible location. It is a fantastic example of our commitment to providing the very best opportunities for our young people while strengthening the communities they live in.”

Vice Convener of Educational Services, Councillor John Millar, said: “I am delighted to see this ambitious project completed and officially opened.

“Faifley Campus provides exceptional facilities where children can learn, thrive and achieve their potential in a welcoming and inspiring environment. The new community facilities, library and outdoor spaces will also be tremendous assets for residents of all ages.

“This is a campus the whole community can be proud of and one that will serve future generations for decades to come. The opening of Faifley Campus represents a major investment in the future of education and community life by creating a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive hub at the heart of Faifley.”

Following the opening ceremony, guests were invited to tour the campus, giving them a glimpse of the impressive educational facilities. Following the event, guests were given a ceramic worry stone with a note saying ‘If you ever feel worried or alone, remember we are always connected with this stone’ in a further nod to the historic connection to the Cochno Stone.