ST COLUMBA’S School in Kilmacolm is undertaking a multi-million pound development to upgrade its campus, with funding support from Bank of Scotland.

The project will see the institution double the space of its senior school, installing 13 new classrooms to cater for its English and languages faculties and a suite of rooms dedicated to pastoral and careers support.

It will also hold a new library and a selection of landscaped gardens and courtyards for pupil recreation, school functions and outdoor teaching sessions.

Two villas acquired by the school on Kilmacolm’s Gryffe Road have been reimagined by award-winning architects, Page Park.

They will be surrounded by single storey new buildings which are specially designed to blend naturally into their local environment, with sedum rooftops that provide a seamless view of Milton Woods to neighbours behind the school.

The school’s interior will be fitted with the latest in educational technology. This will include smart boards, recessed speakers and a Wi-Fi hotspot per classroom.

The library will also double as a reception venue, through the use of movable bookcases and IT equipment.

Bank of Scotland joined the project after a tendering process that saw its strong track record of supporting the independent schools sector, set it apart from other potential partners.

A development finance package was subsequently tailored to meet St Columba’s growth needs and to augment the funds it is deploying from the school’s own resources and its ongoing Capital Campaign.

Calum Paterson, chairman of St Columba’s board of governors, commented: “At St Columba’s School, a great deal of effort is made to create an environment that allows us to identify and nurture the talent of each individual pupil.

“Therefore, it is very important that we provide the best facilities possible for our pupils and our staff.

“This project is about future proofing our school, putting in place the infrastructure that is needed for St Columba’s to continue as a great place to learn and to teach for many years to come.”