JEDBURGH Grammar Campus welcomed pupils to its £32 million site this week.

The new campus had been due to open in April, but the coronavirus pandemic forced plans to change.

Yet on Wednesday (August 12), some pupils were able to enjoy their new classrooms at last, with the rest following yesterday (Thursday).

Jedburgh Grammar Campus head teacher Susan Oliver said staff were “delighted” to welcome pupils through the door, adding: “We’re in no doubt it’s been worth the wait."

On Wednesday, the school welcomed nursery children, as well as pupils from primary one, S1 and S6. All other pupils attended on Thursday.

Other Borders schools reopened on Tuesday (April 11).

The new Jedburgh site was built as part of the 'Schools for the Future' programme launched by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in 2017.

The campus, which is open to pupils aged two to 18, replaces Jedburgh Grammar School and Parkside and Howdenburn primary schools.

It boasts a 2G hockey pitch, a 3G sports pitch and a rural skills area.

Parts of the building will allow public access, which will be monitored by Live Borders.

The local charity will run sports and leisure facilities at the school, which are currently only available for outdoor activities in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Eventually, the public will also be allowed to use the campus for indoor activities, with library visits permitted too.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) leader Shona Haslam said: "Jedburgh Grammar Campus is a fantastic asset, with the equipment and facilities on offer providing a first-class learning environment for young people.

"I must thank all families in the Jedburgh area for their understanding and patience during this extremely challenging period."

Mrs Haslam added: "We realise there will be some anxiety amongst pupils and parents/carers arriving at the new campus, particularly in the current circumstances.

"However, I can assure them our first priority is the safety of pupils and staff, with a number of new COVID-19-related arrangements and routines in place.

“I also know our campus staff have worked extremely hard to help children settle into their exciting new learning space."

Although Jedburgh Grammar Campus opened for pupil access on Thursday, an official opening of the site will be arranged when coronavirus guidelines are reduced to permit larger gatherings.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, SBC’s executive member for children and young people, said: "Jedburgh Grammar Campus will provide significant educational and wellbeing benefits for children, young people, families and the wider community in one location."

For more information on the Jedburgh Grammar Campus, including FAQs, a video tour of the campus and guide on how to book leisure activities on-site with Live Borders, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/jedburghcampus