Give your views on relocating Beeslack
Midlothian Council has launched the formal, statutory consultation on proposals to relocate Beeslack Community High School and realign the associated catchments.
Easter Bush site
If given the go-ahead, the proposals would see the school move to land adjacent to the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush site by August 2026 or as soon as possible after.
Loanhead and Paradykes
A new additional support needs (ASN) stage would be established at the relocated Beeslack and the school’s catchment would change to include the catchments for Loanhead and Paradykes Primary Schools.
Closed Glencorse catchment
The catchment area of the closed Glencorse Primary School would be realigned to the Mauricewood Primary School catchment area.
Penicuik High School
Other changes would see the catchment area of Penicuik High School changed to include the catchment areas of Mauricewood and the closed Glencorse Primary Schools.
Additional Support Needs
A new ASN stage will be established at Penicuik High School.
Get involved
Local people can fill in a short survey and come along to virtual drop-ins on Thursday 7 March and Tuesday 12 March or an in-person meeting at Beeslack Community High School from 7pm on Wednesday 20 March.
Reserve a place
Please contact EducationConsultation@midlothian.gov.uk to reserve a place at the virtual drop-ins, each of which is around 20 minutes.
Swimming pool and sports facilities
The school will be able to accommodate 1600 pupils. Built to Scottish Government energy-efficient standards meaning it will have low carbon emissions, it will also have a swimming pool and community facilities, including an artificial sports pitch and grass pitches.
Pre-consultation drop-ins
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott thanked everyone who came to the pre-consultation drop-ins about the proposals.
Well attended
She said: “The three drop-ins were well attended with more than 150 local people coming along to hear more about the proposals and the rationale behind them.
Positive feedback
“The feedback was positive, so we are now keen for as many people as possible to tell us what they think and raise any issues with us.”
New Centre of Excellence
Cllr Scott said the new Centre of Excellence will not only raise attainment and help pupils secure high paying jobs in the future, but linking with the University of Edinburgh, it will also become a knowledge base, a showpiece demonstrating the latest modern building methods, while improving the curriculum and teaching methods across Scotland. She added: "I am sure this innovative Centre for Excellence is something Midlothian will be very proud of when complete."
Note
The replacement for Beeslack will be Midlothian’s second Centre of Excellence. Newbattle Community High School opened as a Digital Centre for Excellence in 2018.