Pupils will return to fire-hit school in February

STUDENTS at the largest secondary in the Borders – ravaged by a major fire – will return to the school in February after extensive works on the site were undertaken during the Christmas holidays.

Since the blaze at

Peebles High School last month, students have had lessons in classrooms and community centres in Peebles and travelled 18 miles to Galashiels for faceto-face teaching.

Fourth to sixth year students will return to Peebles High on Monday, February 3 after their prelim exams which finish on January 31. First to third year students will complete school work from home on February 3 so staff can ensure a safe and organised return to the site.

Learning materials will be provided through the Show my Homework app and Glow. Junior students will then return to the High School on February 4.

Tracey Logan, chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “We have continued to work right up to Christmas and in the days since to put plans in place to have all pupils back at Peebles High School as soon as possible. This includes the provision of temporary classrooms in the High School’s grounds and preparations for these are well under way.

“Although work continues, we are now fairly confident that, all going well, all pupils will be able to return to Peebles High School over the two days of 3rd and 4th February. This still depends on a number of factors but with the help and support of a huge range of staff and partners, we are very optimistic that we can achieve this.

“We would like to give parents and carers as much notice as possible; this includes the decision to ask S1-S3 pupils to work from home on Monday 3 February. “

Two boys have been charged by police with wilful fire-raising and a report has been sent to the Children’s Reporter.