Opening date revealed for state-of-the-art £85.5m replacement for Paisley Grammar School

Images of the brand-new Paisley Grammar School, which cost £85.5m, have been revealed ahead of the opening later this month.

The new community campus will open on August 20, replacing the historic school building on Glasgow Road.

The project broke ground back in 2024 and will accommodate 1,350 pupils – around 300 more than the old building.

Triple height “heart” space, taking inspiration from the memorial hall in the former Paisley Grammar School. Renfrewshire Council

Project bosses have stated that the new campus has been delivered on time and on budget.

Renfrewshire Council has unveiled images of the new campus.

Emma Rodden, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “This is a landmark moment, not only for Paisley Grammar School but for education across Renfrewshire.

Views capturing the dining space and social stairs. Renfrewshire Council

“Paisley Grammar has helped shape the lives of generations of young people. This outstanding new campus allows that proud history to continue in a building designed for the future.

“From the modern teaching spaces to the sports facilities, science laboratories and performance areas, every part of the campus has been created to give our young people the very best environment in which to learn, grow and succeed.”

The 'Hub' space is centrally located within the building. — The ‘Hub’ space is centrally located within the building. Renfrewshire Council

Paisley Grammar School Community Campus includes specialist science facilities, dedicated drama and performance spaces, and enhanced sports facilities, including full-size grass pitches

It will also be home to Renfrewshire’s Music School, providing purpose-built facilities for talented young musicians.

Standard science lab with enhanced IT provision and casting capability. Renfrewshire Council

Janie O’Neill, director of children’s services, added: “I am thrilled to see the new school open, and I am excited about the opportunities this will present for our young people, their teachers and all the staff and the wider community who will get to enjoy this amazing facility, both now and for future generations.

“This marks the culmination of years of hard work, from the initial planning and design, through to the construction of the school and new roads, which has involved multiple council services working together with school and support staff, and our partners and contractors.”

Four court games hall with timber sprung floor. Renfrewshire Council

Education secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I am pleased to have supported this exciting new campus for Paisley Grammar School with more than £27 million from our Learning Estate Investment Programme.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world.

“Schools environments such as these – with high-quality science and STEM facilities alongside dedicated spaces for sports, drama and music – are key to making this happen.

“We’re proud to be building further on this progress by continuing to invest in school improvements across Scotland.”