The opening of a school in Edinburgh has been delayed to enable pupils to sit exams with "minimum disruption".

The new Boroughmuir High School was originally due to open in August 2016.

Contractors O'Hare and McGovern will hand over the building before Christmas but the school will not become fully operational until after the February break.

Officials said this would enable senior pupils to complete their prelims in January with "minimum disruption".

Pupils will have a five-week period to transition into the new facility.

Head teacher David Dempster said: "As head teacher I am certain that this is the right decision for the school.

"It will allow us to manage our move over an extended period and allow the life of the school and in particular learning and teaching to continue with minimal impact."

He added: "December and January is a busy and important time for our senior pupils in the run up to their prelim examinations in January.

"I'm convinced that with the extended transition period, the process of migration from 'old to new' will be a well-managed and enjoyable experience for us all."