The new Nairn Academy campus will officially open to pupils in October this year following a short delay to final construction works.
Pupils are now expected to begin classes at the new school after the October holidays, with the opening date set for 26 October.
The revised schedule comes after contractors Balfour Beatty informed The Highland Council that completion of the final building works is now expected in September rather than August.
Council officials say the revised opening date will allow a smoother transition for pupils and staff while reducing disruption during the school term.
Parents and key stakeholders have been kept updated throughout the construction process and the council says excitement remains high around the new development.
The delay will not create any additional budget costs for Highland Council.
Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said:
“The build is a hugely exciting project for Nairn, and for Highland, and we are all eager to see the new facilities open and ready for use.
“Since construction began last year the development has progressed well, but it is important pupils’ learning is not disrupted by the final work, and the subsequent move from the existing school.
“Lessons learned from recently completed projects suggest that a longer transition period is required for schools, and particularly secondary schools.
“An October opening will make sure that there is adequate time for pupils and staff to prepare for the move to the new building before it becomes fully operational.
“When it opens, we will see an outstanding facility, and a high quality learning environment that will serve the young people of Nairn, and its wider community, for years to come.”
The new Nairn Academy campus is a flagship £61 million investment project for Highland Council delivered as part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme.
The three storey school will have capacity for 800 pupils and will feature extensive sports and fitness facilities including a synthetic grass pitch, multi use games area, 100 metre running track, games hall, gymnasium and fitness suite.
The project also forms part of the wider Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion long term programme aimed at upgrading schools, infrastructure and public services across the region.
For Nairn, the opening of the new campus marks one of the town’s most significant public investments in recent decades and is expected to reshape education and community facilities for generations to come.
