Rising Fast: Progress on Our New Classrooms
Last week, Headmaster Graeme Yule pulled on a hard hat and toured the site of the College's new classroom development with Joe Ketterer, the project's site manager. The five new classrooms are Stage One of the College's wider Classroom and Turf Project, a multi-year investment in new teaching spaces and outdoor facilities for current and future students. Where bare ground once sat, a steel frame now rises amongst the surrounding trees, clear proof of how far the build has come and a sign of what lies ahead for students as they walk through the doors.
Taking Shape
Work began on site in March, with the concrete foundations laid by early April and the ground floor concrete slab following soon after.
From there, the steel structure rose steadily through May, with the main frame erected by early June. After that, the first-floor concrete slab was poured, and the last of the structural steelwork was in place by the end of June, including the temporary dampers and CHS frame – additional bracing that keeps the frame stable while the rest of the building goes up around it.
Reflecting on the progress so far, Graeme Yule said, “It's amazing to see this concept coming to life. The build is going well, and we can't wait to use these facilities, which will provide wonderful opportunities for our students.”
Why These Classrooms Matter
Once complete, the five classrooms will give our students bright, modern spaces for the kind of learning at the heart of a Scots education – spaces built for collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing. They are a further sign of the College's ongoing investment in the environment our students learn in, and the people who teach them.
What's Coming Next
With the frame complete, attention now turns to timber. Glulam structural beams – engineered timber beams valued for their strength and warmth of finish – are due to go in by mid-July, followed by the glulam rafters. External wall framing will be put in place from early July through to the end of August, setting the building up for its roof, expected to be finished by mid-September.
Cladding, glazing, and brick veneer are due to be finished by mid-November, closing the building in for good. Work will then move indoors, with fit-out continuing through summer and into the new year.
Opening Day in Sight
The project remains on track for completion in April 2027. From there, the College will begin fitting out the new classrooms with soft furnishings and IT systems ahead of students moving in.
This is Stage One of the wider Classroom and Turf Project, made possible by a $2.7 million gift from the Scots College Foundation. Stage Two, an all-weather turf and new Garden of Honour, will follow, subject to further fundraising.
No photo quite captures what it feels like to stand under that steel frame. We will keep the updates coming as the build moves forward, and we cannot wait to see our newest students walk into these classrooms for the first time.
