Work is underway on a new £18.2 million joint Catholic and Jewish faith schools' campus in East Renfrewshire.

In what is considered to be a world-first, the unique facility will be built in Newton Mearns and serves as a replacement for the existing Jewish school, Calderwood Lodge, and an additional primary for the Catholic community.

Both schools will have separate entrances, teaching wings and head teachers.


Other features include a shared central amphitheatre, ICT facilities, wi-fi coverage, and a range of small/larger group learning zones.

Additional shared facilities include the playground as well as sport, art, science and music/drama.

East Renfrewshire Director of Education Mhairi Shaw said: "Our proposal for a faith schools' joint campus is bold and unique. 

"From the initial idea we have been consulting with pupils, staff, parents, leaders of both faith communities and the local community and all have helped shaped the plans and designs for this unique schools' campus.

"Each school will have their own distinct areas but the hub proposal, with its radical design, offers a new and innovative approach to learning and teaching."

The new school is expected to open for its first pupils in August 2017.

(LM)