Prestwick North Educational Campus scoops top award

Prestwick North Educational Campus has come first place in the ‘Pupil/Student Experience’ category at the prestigious Learning Places Scotland Awards 2023.

The South Ayrshire Council campus was up against tough opposition for the award with the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh universities also in the running.

The judging panel was impressed with the agile nature of the learning spaces at the campus which support group, peer to peer and individual learning. The judges also appreciated the use of natural daylight throughout the campus which promotes a healthy learning environment.

Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said: “This is a great achievement. We want our young people to have the best possible experience in our schools, as it’s a huge contributing factor when it comes to life beyond the classroom. I am sure the young people and staff will continue to enjoy their campus for many years to come.”

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment said: “This award is such an important accolade and highlights all the work undertaken at the design stage to ensure the entire campus was full of inspirational and interactive learning spaces. I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly our Special Property Projects Team who delivered the project.

Gaynor Hartley, Head Teacher of Glenburn Primary, Jacqueline McPeake, Head Teacher of St Ninian’s and Susan Cole, Manager of Prestwick North Early Years Centre commented: “We’re delighted that the campus received the award for Pupil/Student Experience. We all agree that, as leaders of schools and an EYC, this is the best award for our campus to receive as everyone involved is trying to deliver the best possible education for our young learners!

Michael Ross, Chief Executive of public sector development partner hub South West Scotland said: ” Winning such a prestigious award showcases the quality of projects hub South West Scotland, our design teams and construction partners are delivering in partnership with the team at South Ayrshire Council. Feedback from pupils and staff highlights the huge benefits they have already experienced from learning and interacting in this superb new community campus. This award recognises not only the hard work of the collective team that delivered this project but also South Ayrshire Council’s vision to invest in their learning estate.”

Morgan Sindall Construction’s managing director for Scotland, Stuart Parker, said: “It’s been an honour to work with both South Ayrshire Council and hub South West on delivering the Prestwick North Education Campus, who shared our vision in creating a modern, engaging state-of-the-art learning facility for the local community. Winning the Pupil/Student Experience Award is a real testament to all the work that’s gone into every element of the project, and I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved. We hope it’ll be a real game changer for the community and future generations to come.”

Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director at BDP said: “It’s a remarkable achievement and a true testament to our team’s commitment to ensuring high quality, innovation and collaboration in all our projects. My congratulations go out to all those involved, and I thank our entire team and our partners for all their hard work and dedication in striving to improve the learning experience for thousands of young people across Scotland.”

The Learning Places Scotland Awards provide recognition of excellence in the design of educational buildings.