PUPILS at Strathyre primary will attend McLaren High School for the 2017-18 academic year, due to major improvements beginning in September.

Youngsters at Strathyre are to benefit from a £1.864million worth of work to be carried out over the next 12 months. 

Councillors approved the fund, which will provide additional teaching space, and a sport, dining, and community area.

It will also remove existing modular accommodation and the need to transport pupils off site for physical education.

The refurbishment of Strathyre Primary School was initially confirmed in 2015 following a review of the school estate.

Councillor Susan McGill, convener of the education committee, said: “It’s one of our key priorities to ensure that every child has a school environment conducive to getting the best possible education.

"The renovations at Strathyre Primary School will result in a modern and fulfilling environment in which to learn.”

The school is anticipated to grow beyond 50 pupils by 2019. The provision of a third classroom will allow the school to comply with maximum class size limits for composite classes.

In addition to improving the educational environment, the refurbishment will allow for better energy efficiency and reduced operating costs in the future.

A rented temporary teaching unit also features as part of the current Strathyre site and this project will allow that to be removed, saving £468 a month, as well as saving the increasing repair costs associated with an ageing temporary unit.

Construction is due to begin in September 2017 and will run for 11 months.

During the period of construction works, Strathyre Primary School staff and students will be transported to and from McLaren High School.

The needs of the primary school have been identified and addressed for the full academic year in the temporary location.