The project, funded through the Highland Investment Plan, aims to create a state-of-the-art secondary school designed to support pupils' needs. The plans include flexible offices for staff and partner agencies, a four-court sports hall, a two-court gymnasium and dance studio, and a community café to foster engagement. The new Charleston Community Complex will be integrated into the building, offering community access to sport and drama facilities outside school hours.
The Highland Investment Plan is a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme focused on improving schools, roads, and local infrastructure across the region. Funding is derived from borrowing and a dedicated 2% allocation of Council Tax revenue. New school buildings under this plan are designed as Community Points of Delivery (PoDs), adaptable for various community services and organisations.
Hub North Scotland is the Council's delivery partner for the plan, with Morgan Sindall identified as the preferred main contractor. Works are scheduled to commence on site in 2028, with the school and community facilities expected to open in 2030.
“"The Charleston Academy Community PoD is a key Highland Investment Plan project, which will improve the learning environment for pupils, support health and wellbeing, and create opportunities for the wider community. It is great to reach this important milestone, and I look forward to seeing work commence on site next year."
Pre-planning consultation events are being held for pupils, parents, staff, and community members to view the plans and provide feedback. These drop-in sessions will take place at Charleston Academy Community Complex on Thursday 10 December 2026 (2pm to 7pm) and Thursday 21 January 2027 (2pm to 7pm). A stakeholder group, comprising council officials, elected members, community groups, and school representatives, has been established to ensure ongoing communication and feedback throughout the project's progression.
