A LARGE extension at Galashiels Academy is to be demolished later this year.

And the work has sparked fears that a replacement school won't be built, as planned, by 2023.

The move to incorporate maths, modern languages and art departments into the main school building was announced this week.

And comes after the Academy hosted pupils from Peebles either side of Christmas.

Following their departure this week it was decided that the extension is surplus to requirements.

An email from Scottish Borders Council chief executive Tracey Logan was distributed to parents on Thursday evening to unveil the plans.

She said: “As a consequence of the temporary arrangements at Galashiels Academy there has been consideration by the council’s property and education teams of the future use of the ‘ROSLA building’.

"It is now evident that this building is surplus to operational requirements, and that the provision of specialist teaching space can readily be provided elsewhere within the Galashiels Academy campus.

"As a result, it has been agreed with the Headteacher that art, maths and modern languages classes will continue in the ‘ROSLA building’, but only until such times as the necessary works can be carried out within the main building to accommodate all these classes on a permanent basis."

Preparation work for the demolition is due to begin at Easter.

The local authority rubber-stamped plans back in 2018 for a replacement £62 million Galashiels Academy to open in three years' time.

But a recent fire at Peebles High, as well as the demolition and internal changes to the main building, have led to concerns for the replacement school being severely delayed.

One parent said: "The ROSLA building has been part of Galashiels Academy for more than 40 years.

"We have been expecting details on how and when a new school is going to be built - not about knocking down part of the building and changing the other part.

"Nobody is going to spend a lot of money redesigning a school when it's supposed to be closing in three years."

Scottish Borders have yet to make any announcements about the school replacement plans.

A spokesperson added: "We will develop a plan for the decommissioning and safe removal of the extension building as preparatory work in advance of the redevelopment of the entire site.

“This will not only deliver valuable savings but also provide further opportunities in respect of the replacement of the Academy in the medium/long term.”