A Johnstone councillor has said he is determined to see a new high school built in the town following Renfrewshire Council’s announcement on the future of local education.
Scottish Labour councillor Iain McMillan said he and his fellow Johnstone Labour representatives, Chris Gilmour and Gillian Graham, are ready to listen to the views of parents and pupils as plans for the town’s schools develop.
Councillor McMillan said: “By now most parents will have read the correspondence sent from the council concerning changes to school provision in Johnstone. The Labour councillors in Johnstone recognise that the current provision is no longer fit for purpose and change has to happen.
“Although no final proposals have been brought forward, it is clear that any changes will have a far-reaching impact for pupils. The Labour councillors Chris Gilmour, Gillian Graham, and myself are ready to listen to the concerns of both parents and pupils.
“However, one thing we are clear on is the need for a new-build Johnstone High. One of the reasons I came back into elected politics was to lobby for a new high school, so hopefully we are now on our way to seeing that delivered.
“We look forward to hearing the views of local people in the coming months.”
His comments come after Renfrewshire Council outlined high-level options for the next stage of its £170 million investment in education, including major changes to the schools in Johnstone.
Three main options are being developed for Johnstone High School — refurbishing the current building, building a new school on the same site, or constructing a new school elsewhere in the town.
The council also confirmed a major review of the town’s seven primary schools, which are operating at only 68 per cent capacity, with pupil numbers expected to fall sharply over the next decade.
As part of that redesign, the council will consider building a new primary school that could bring together more than one existing school.
Shortlists of specific options for both the high school and primary estates will be drawn up by early 2026, with preferred plans expected by early 2027.
Renfrewshire Council says its aim is to ensure every pupil in Johnstone is taught in a modern, high-quality learning environment that meets the needs of the community.
Headline photo: Johnstone High School (and insert photo: Councillor McMillan with a campaign poster)