A FUTURISTIC new £32million state-of-the-art school complex with a super super arena has been unveiled.

These artist impressions show how Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, will look when it's complete in September 2016.

Work has just started on the school, which will include performance, drama and conference facilities, and the sports arena with its impressive all-weather eight lane athletics track and synthetic sports pitches.

Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan said: "The new school will be a fantastic environment for pupils to learn in and will provide facilities that the whole community will enjoy for generations to come.

"I'm pleased the Scottish Government could provide more than £20 million in funding towards the project and I look forward to seeing the new school when it opens to pupils in the autumn next year."

The heart of the main school building is a central space consisting of an imposing central hall, with social and dining facilities, and an internal courtyard.

North Lanarkshire Council Convener of Learning and Leisure Cllr Jim Logue said: "A huge amount of effort has gone into bringing the project from the drawing board to cutting the first turf.

"However, in around 20 months time our children and young people will begin to reap the benefit of a brand new educational facility designed to match the aspirations of a Curriculum for Excellence.

"It will also provide facilities for wider community use in the evening and at weekends."

Greenfaulds High School will continue to operate from their existing building, except for external sports, until the new building is complete next September.

And the schoolchildren are getting excited about their new premises because the architects drawings and plans are displayed on walls all over the school.

Head teacher Dr John May said: "We were all delighted to see the construction work on the new school campus get underway.

"The beginning of the on-site operation has generated a renewed interest and enthusiasm to view the architects drawings and plans which are on display around the school.

"There is a keen interest across the school community to chart the progress of the new Greenfaulds High and regular updates are planned to be added to the school website."

In the meantime, the council has made arrangements to transport pupils to external sports facilities until the new sports arena is complete.

Gemma Boggs, schools programme director with the Scottish Futures Trust, said: "We are delighted to see the next school within the Scotland's Schools to the Future programme go into construction.

"Work starting on the campus will be welcome news to many local SMEs in the building industry.

"The project will provide a massive boost to the number of work-placements, apprenticeships and training opportunities that will be created through the delivery partner, hub South West Scotland Ltd."

School Captain Megan MacFarlane said pupils were excited and can't stop talking about the new complex.

She added: "The new school is the main topic of discussion among Greenfaulds pupils.

"Most are excited, however, the Sixth Year are extremely disappointed that they will miss out on the new development.

"The modern open plan dining area and the stylish new environment are the main focuses of conversation. We can't wait to see the results."

Ryan Phillips, School Captain, added: "In the school we have a large number of highly talented and capable young people.

"The new school will enable all pupils to achieve to the best of their abilities in a new positive working environment.

"The impact of the new Greenfaulds High will extend beyond the young people in the school into the local community, giving everyone a new educational campus to be proud of.

"I look forward to returning to the school in the future to see the benefits firsthand."

Eddie Robertson, Regional Director, Morrison Construction Scotland - Central, said, "It is exciting to now be recognising the start of construction on site as we begin to deliver the new Greenfaulds High School for North Lanarkshire Council on behalf of Hub South West Scotland Ltd.

"We look forward to creating a building that is fit for the 21st century and will serve the whole community, as well as enhancing the facilities for education in the region."