Cullen Primary leads the way in Moray’s learning estate improvement programme
Moray Council has invested £3.9 million in improvements at Cullen Primary School as part of its 10-year Learning Estate Programme, helping make schools safer, more comfortable, energy efficient and fit for the future.
A key part of this work is the programme that aims to bring school buildings up to at least a B standard for condition and suitability.
Cullen Primary School was chosen to pilot the approach, and improvement works at the school have now been completed, with lessons learned helping shape similar upgrades planned for delivery across Moray.
Improvements at Cullen Primary include new roof insulation and waterproofing, new windows and doors with improved security and access control, and external wall insulation.
Mechanical and electrical upgrades have also been completed, including a new air source heat pump, improved ventilation in toilets, rewiring and improvements to the school’s water supply and drainage systems.
There are currently 52 schools in Moray, with 31 rated below B for condition. Condition looks at the physical state of a school building, including its fabric, safety and security. No schools are currently rated below B for suitability, although improvements continue to support accessibility, functionality and modern learning environments.
The project has followed an EnerPHit approach, which applies high energy-efficiency standards to the refurbishment of an existing building to improve comfort and reduce energy use.
The programme also supports Moray Council’s wider net zero ambitions by improving the energy performance of school buildings and reducing reliance on fossil fuel heating.
Cullen Primary School Acting Headteacher Craig Barron said: “We’re delighted to see the improvements at Cullen Primary completed and are really pleased with the difference they have made to our school.
“Our pupils and staff now have a warmer and more comfortable environment to learn and work in, and it’s been lovely to see everyone enjoying the improvements to the building.
“Pupils were actively involved throughout the project, including visiting the site to see the work progressing first-hand and taking part in activities that gave them an insight into careers in construction.”
P6 pupil Kenzie said: “I think the school is looking pretty good. I like the new floor in the hall and the new electric windows.”
P4 pupil Esme added: “It looks really nice. I like the big Cullen sign at the entrance and the new blue and white walls outside.”
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see the work at Cullen Primary completed and to have such a positive example of what our upgrade programme can achieve.
“Every school building is different, so this programme is about understanding what each one needs and focusing our investment where it can make the biggest difference.
“Cullen has helped us learn a lot about how we can improve our existing buildings in a practical and sustainable way, and we’ll now build on that as the programme continues across Moray.”
Other schools included in the current upgrade programme are Speyside High School, Milne’s High School, East End Primary School, Rothes Primary School, Mosstodloch Primary School, Mortlach Primary School, Alves Primary School and Bishopmill Primary School.