Thurso New Combined High School Primary School Etc May Open By 2034

19th February 2026

The next meeting of the Education Committee of Highland council on 25th February will discuss the next steps moving towards a new school. When might the it all be ready so we looked at how the Wick High school campus progressed below for comparison.

If we assume the consultation process begins in early 2027 and last for 7 years like Wick then the schools etc might open in 2034 or 2035.

The extract from the agenda papers states -
Linked to the HIP of over £2billion over 20 years, the Council is exploring options for secondary, primary, ELC and enhanced ASN provision as part of a single campus solution in Thurso. A statutory
consultation will be required to progress the preferred option for future primary and ELC school provision. Member approval to commence the formal consultation will be brought to the next meeting of the Education Committee in June 2026 once further
engagement has taken place with stakeholders and the wider community.

What Was the Wick Timescale For Comparison
The first public consultation on a new Wick High School and Community Campus to the building actually opening to pupils:

Timeline: Consultation to Opening

First statutory consultation

The Highland Council began a formal statutory consultation on proposals for a new Wick High School and community campus on 23 August 2010, running until 1 October 2010. This consulted parents, staff, pupils and community representatives about the need for a new school and what facilities should be included.

Opening of the new facility
After detailed planning, design, construction and commissioning, the new **Wick Community Campus — housing Wick High School, a primary school and community facilities — opened to pupils on 26 April 2017.

Total elapsed time

From the start of the consultation in August 2010 to the opening in April 2017 was approximately:

6 years and 8 months (nearly 7 years)
This reflects the full cycle of statutory consultation, planning, design, securing funding and approvals, construction and commissioning which is a common timescale for major school and campus projects in the UK.

The full paper for the education meeting on 25 February 2026 can be found at https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5305/education-committee

 

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