The History of Lockerbie Academy

The origins of Lockerbie Academy go back to the nineteenth century, and the Education (Scotland) Act of 1872 which led to the formation of Dryfesdale School Board.

The name Lockerbie Academy was first applied to what was formerly Dryfesdale Public School in 1903, although the original building facing Townhead Street had been established as a school in October 1875. In 1919 the school came under control of the new County Education Authority and was firmly established as a five-year secondary school. In 1930, however, because of the centralisation of upper secondary education in Dumfries, the Academy lost its fourth and fifth year pupils to Dumfries Academy. Work on phase one of the new secondary was started in 1957 and in 1962 Lockerbie Academy became a four-year secondary school for Ordinary Grade courses. It achieved six-year status in 1964. An extensive refurbishment programme began in 1989 extending over three years, which resulted in a rationalisation of the present accommodation.

The school continues to be at the forefront of educational innovation and in recent years has received prestigious National awards namely "Investors in People" and a "Sports Mark" Award. It was runner up in the Scottish Education Awards section for Determined to Succeed, "Most Enterprising School". In the Dumfries and Galloway Determined to Succeed Awards 2005-06 Lockerbie Academy was winner of two sections - "Outstanding International Success" and "Career Scotland Award for Excellence in Career Education and Enterprise Activities." The school received a very good Inspection report in May 2003, and an equally good "Follow through" report in October 2005. On the sporting front this year Lockerbie Academy won the Scottish Schools Curling Championship, with the first all female team to succeed.

Exciting times lie ahead as Lockerbie Academy has been identified as top priority for the construction of a new school under the PPP (Public Private Partnership) scheme.

'Gaun Up Tae The Big Schule'

'Gaun Up Tae The Big Schule' is a book written by Isabelle Gow on the history of Lockerbie Academy. To find out more, and to ensure you receive a copy, please click here.