Support from Scottish Government funding through Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) has been given for the new school. 

Preparatory works are currently underway, with the ceremony celebrating the milestones reached as of yet for the £88.6 million project. 

At the event, pupils from Forres Academy and its primary schools group conveyed their aspirations for the new school and what they are most excited about in relation to their new academy. 

The celebration started at Forres Academy with a welcome from head teacher Jan Sinclair.

This was followed by contributions from Moray Council leadership, hub North Scotland as well as Balfour Beatty. 

Guests then headed to the new academy site, where pupils proceeded to cut the turf. 

Education secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I’m pleased to be supporting this exciting new campus for Forres Academy, which promises to provide a high-quality environment for pupils to thrive.

“Education is one of the best investments we can make in Scotland’s future, which is why the Scottish Government is supporting school buildings like this one through the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme.”

McAllan added: “This fund is driving improvements in schools across Scotland, with the number in good or satisfactory condition increasing from 62.7 per cent in 2007 to a record 92 per cent in 2025.”

Moray Council leader and chair of the Education, Children and Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, said: “We’re creating a place where young people can learn, discover their talents, build friendships and make memories for generations to come.”

Sinclair said: “Our current school has served generations of young people since 1969, and today we are celebrating the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“This new school will give our young people a modern, inspiring place to learn, grow and create memories of their own.”

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, which is Moray Council’s delivery partner for the project, said: “This is a key landmark for the new Forres Academy which is the culmination of a lot of hard work and collaboration by all the partners involved to reach this stage.”

Atholl McKay, portfolio director at Balfour Beatty said: “Getting to the point of spades in the ground is the result of months of close collaboration with our project partners, all working towards a shared vision for the future of education in Forres.”

It is anticipated that in Autumn 2028 the new academy will open its doors, delivering contemporary learning spaces for up to 1,120 pupils. This includes 40 enhanced additional support needs areas. 

The development will also deliver a new 3G sports pitch, enhanced outdoor spaces and flexible learning areas.