Wednesday November 12th 2025
Peebles High School students and staff during the reopening
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Hundreds of pupils and staff celebrated this week as a Borders school ‘rose from the ashes’.
Peebles High School was extensively damaged by a fire at the end of 2019.
This week a brand-new £61m high school building opened its doors for the very first time.
The state-of-the-art replacement features education spaces designed to support the delivery of a 21st century curriculum with attractive atrium spaces for collaboration and interaction as well as breakout spaces for flexible teaching.
A buzzing queue of expectant pupils gathered eagerly outside the impressive new campus before the start of the day and were piped into their new school.
The new school features education spaces designed to support the delivery of a 21st century curriculum with attractive atrium spaces for collaboration and interaction as well as breakout spaces for flexible teaching.
Enhanced sporting facilities, including an extension of the existing sports block and a new multi-purpose 3G pitch also form part of the new school which will benefit the wider community.
The project has been delivered by main works contractor BAM Construction Ltd and Scottish Borders Council’s development partner Hub South East who has overseen the project through the various development phases.
Local Tweeddale East and Tweeddale West councillors were also in attendance to mark the occasion and received a guided tour of the facility from headteacher Kevin Ryalls ahead of an official opening event which will take place in the new year.
Mr Ryalls said: “I know I speak on behalf of the whole school community when I express my overwhelming joy and excitement as this transformational facility opens its doors to students and marks the start of a new chapter of education in Peebles.”
David Roberstosn, chief executive of SBC, said: “We are delighted to open the doors of the new Peebles High School today and welcome pupils and staff into this fantastic new building. It’s been a long time coming and it is really exciting to see everyone in the school and exploring the new facilities.
“I know all the school staff, our team in the Education Department and everyone involved in this fantastic project is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. We believe the new Peebles High School, with its modern and truly inspiring learning environment, embodies that vision.”
Councillor Julie Pirone, SBC’s executive member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning, added: “The opening of the new Peebles High School to students and teachers is an incredibly proud day for the whole community. This is a truly exceptional building with world-class facilities that will enhance the learning and development of all our young people and help to grow ambition and aspiration.
“The delivery of this tremendous educational facility reflects this council’s clear commitment to enhancing the school estate right across the Scottish Borders and offering the very best education possible for all our children and young people.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
