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Major expansion at two high schools to support thousands of new homes

News imageGoogle The front of a modern school building. It has a contemporary design with a mix of light-coloured panels and red‑brick sections. Large windows line both the ground and upper floors, creating a bright, open look. The entrance has an overhanging upper section supported by pillars. Above the entrance is a wide set of windows arranged in a grid pattern and under these windows, a sign reads “St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School.”Google
St Andrew's and St Bride's is currently operating at more than 200 pupils above its planned capacity

Two South Lanarkshire high schools are set for a major expansion to support thousands of new homes planned for Larkhall and East Kilbride.

Councillors have approved a full business case for extensions to St Andrew's and St Bride's High School in East Kilbride and Holy Cross High School in Hamilton.

More than £18m will be invested as part of Glasgow's City Deal with a further £5m coming from developer contributions.

St Andrew's and St Bride's is currently operating at more than 200 pupils above its planned capacity. A new extension will increase overall capacity to 1,721 pupils when completed in late 2027 or early 2028.

In the meantime, internal adaptations will create space for a further 69 pupils by August 2027.

News imageGoogle A modern school campus viewed from behind a metal fence. The ground is lightly covered with snow. On the left, there is a large structure with a curved roof that looks like part of a sports hall or gymnasium. On the right, a multi‑storey, contemporary school building features large windows and a mix of brick and lighter‑coloured materials. There are a few leafless trees in the foreground.Google
Alterations have already begun at Holy Cross High School in Hamilton

At Holy Cross alterations have already begun. They will provide extra teaching space for up to 145 pupils while a new extension will further increase the school's capacity to 1,652 pupils.

The full project is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

Councillor Davie McLachlan (Hamilton North and East), praised the plans but asked if consideration could be given to a potential increase in traffic congestion.

Council officers said there would be some restrictions in terms of traffic flow, but as with any expansions, they would consider arrangements with the council's roads department.

School expansions are essential to support planned housing growth of up to 1,700 new homes in Larkhall and 2,600 new homes in East Kilbride.

The projects include measures to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable construction.

The business case will now be submitted for a final sign-off.

Story by local democracy reporter Shannon Milmine