A curved teaching block and outward-sloping glazing make an unusually sculptural school.
Quick facts
- Date
- Designed and built 1972–77
- Architect / designer
- Lanarkshire Education Authority Architects Department, initially under Richard Cannon
- Type
- Secondary school
- OS grid reference
- NS 72500 60049
The building and its setting
The four-storey teaching block follows a broad curve, with concrete structural members framing sloping glass. Lower ranges spread out from the same radial arrangement. Brick end walls and projecting stair towers interrupt the glazed frontage, expressing the different parts of the school.
Its story
The campus opened in 1977, bringing together pupils from Elmwood, St Saviour’s and St Catherine’s schools. Its form belongs to an ambitious period of local-authority school design. The school’s own information confirms the single campus and opening year; the HES designation identifies the architectural development.
Why it is included
Extends the town’s architectural account into post-war public education.
What to look for
- The curved teaching block and sloping glazing
- The relationship between the tall block and lower radiating wings
Reading the surroundings
View from public routes only. This is a working school; do not enter school grounds without permission.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The listing excludes the Willowbank Annexe. Descriptions of internal arrangements in the designation are historical observations, not a new inspection. School use does not imply access for architectural visitors.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: LB52464 — Designation, architectural history and grid location; not a current condition survey.
- Cardinal Newman High School: school information — Confirms the 1977 campus and continuing educational role.
- North Lanarkshire Council: school directory — Current school identity and Main Street address.
Location
OS grid reference NS 72500 60049 · Location confidence: HES catalogue national-grid point converted to WGS84; approximate building location, not an entrance or boundary. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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