IRVINE'S newest school has now been open for a month, accommodating hundreds of pupils.

Montgomerie Park Primary opened in August and is the first Passivhaus school in the region.

This means the school has been built to a standard which provides a high level of comfort for pupils and staff while using very little energy for heating and cooling.

The school can accommodate up to 342 pupils, with early learning and childcare facilities for three to five-year-olds, and 15 places for two-year-olds.

The school can accommodate up to 342 pupils, with early learning and childcare facilities for three to five-year-olds, and 15 places for two-year-olds (Image: Paul Zanre) Headteacher Fiona Smyth said: "We’ve had a great first few weeks and it’s been lovely seeing the young people really embracing their new school.

"It’s such a great facility for us as a staff to teach in and also for the young people to learn in.

"Everyone is really happy and enjoying it and we will continue to strive to give the young people and their families the best environment possible."

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education, said: "We are proud of this fantastic new school which marks a new chapter in the lives of the children and staff.

The school has been built to a standard which provides a high level of comfort for pupils and staff while using very little energy for heating and cooling (Image: Paul Zanre) "It is an incredible facility and we are confident it will provide a learning and teaching environment of the very highest quality."

Initial work on the new school began in March 2023.

It was built to rigorous energy efficiency standards and comprises 12 classrooms, early learning facilities, a gymnasium incorporating flexible performance areas, and dining facilities along with outdoor learning spaces including a seven-a-side all-weather pitch.

Andy McLinden, regional managing director at Robertson Construction Central West, said: “It is with huge satisfaction that we deliver this project, not only a new high-quality school but a milestone in the national journey to net zero.

Initial work on the new school began in March 2023 (Image: North Ayrshire Council) “In close collaboration with North Ayrshire Council, we have created a place that truly meets the needs and aspirations of the pupils, providing them with a nurturing educational environment where they can thrive.

“We employed 54 local people, hosted 130 apprenticeship weeks on-site, and supported employment programmes, ensuring that our work leaves a lasting legacy in the local area."