Delayed Jedburgh Grammar Campus opening promises to be worth the wait

Our region’s nine secondary schools and 59 primaries – like others nationwide – closed their doors on Friday, March 20, two weeks before the Easter holidays were due to start.

The UK Government warned then that pupils were unlikely to return to their classrooms until after the summer holidays.

Its latest update suggests schools will only reopen once scientific advice indicates it is safe to do so and that, even then, restrictions and social distancing measures are likely to remain in place.

The would-be official opening of the new £32m Jedburgh Grammar Campus, on Tuesday, April 21, was marked with a decorated stone being placed outside assuring pupils it would be worth the wait.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesman said: “The Jedburgh Grammar Campus building was handed over to Scottish Borders Council last month by contractor BAM Construction, with some minor snagging works still outstanding due to the Coronavirus restrictions.

“At this stage, we expect the campus to open at the start of the new session in August 2020 but will provide further information as soon as it is available.”

There’s still some teaching taking place, though, for vulnerable children or those of key workers like NHS staff, at Hawick’s Wilton Primary School, Galashiels’ Langlee Primary, Holyrude Primary in Peebles, Philiphaugh Community School in Selkirk, Kelso’s Broomlands Primary and Melrose Primary School.

Galashiels Academy, Howdenburn Primary in Jedburgh, St Ronan’s Primary in Innerleithen and Burnfoot Community School in Hawick are also serving as free school meal pick-up points.