Safety checks for Borders schools

Following the Liberton High School tragedy in 2014, all schools in the Scottish Borders were inspected.

Following these inspections, some minor remedial works were carried out at the region’s three Public Private Partnership (PPP) schools – Berwickshire, Earlston and Eyemouth high schools – but no significant issues were identified.

In addition, further inspections were carried out in January this year at Borders PPP schools following the damage to Oxgangs Primary School in Edinburgh caused by high winds.

No areas of concerns at any of the sites were found during these inspections.

In response to the decision on Friday 9 April around Edinburgh’s PFI schools, the Council will engage with the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council to seek further information. We will also work with our partner Scottish Borders Education Partnership (SBEP) to consider if further assessments are required.

SBEP is committed to working in partnership with SBC to ensure the safety of the pupils and safe operation of its buildings.

At this time, there is no information which indicates there are any issues at the Borders’ three PPP schools.

SBC expects all schools to open as normal following the Easter holidays on Monday 18 April.