'Topping out' ceremony
NEW ERA FOR REGENT HIGH SCHOOL AS BUILDING NEARS COMPLETION
Staff, students and governors at Regent High School have celebrated a milestone in the completion of their new £26 million state-of-the-art building.
A ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on Thursday 24 October to mark the completion of the main structure in the final phase of building works at the secondary school, in Somers Town, Camden.
These include a purpose-built theatre, complete with professional lighting and staging, along with access to drama studios, a music recital room, music technology suites and a recording studio. The school has specialist arts status and these new facilities will support the strong music, drama and visual arts provision at the school.
A science suite, also part of the new building, will support the school’s ambitious teaching and learning in Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), in particular their drive to place students at the very best universities.
Regent High School, which was rated ‘good’ in its last Ofsted report in 2012, has also been recognised as one of the most eco-friendly schools in Camden, and the new buildings support the school’s aim of achieving full ‘Green Flag’ Eco School status.
Staff and students, some of whom are in temporary classrooms on the site until the final phase of building works is completed, are due to move fully into their new school in early spring 2014.
The phased project, run by contractors BAM on behalf of Camden Council, has involved either rebuilding or refurbishing the whole school over the last two-and-a-half years.
Among the guests at the ‘topping out’ ceremony on Thursday (24 October) were the Leader of Camden Council, Cllr Sarah Hayward; the Council’s Chief Executive, Mike Cooke; the Cabinet Member for Children, Cllr Angela Mason CBE; and Cabinet Member for Young People, Cllr Nasim Ali OBE.
Rosemary Leeke, Headteacher, said: 'We are delighted to celebrate this important point on the journey to the completion of the new Regent High School. We are very much looking forward to using our new building and to our students learning in the magnificent surroundings.
'We are grateful to all those who have helped the building reach this point, and look forward to celebrating its opening next year.'
Jill Hoffbrand, Chair of Governors, said: 'The school's new accommodation is a testament to the power of good design and thoughtful planning. We are looking forward to the building being finished, and to what our students will be able to achieve in such an inspirational environment.'
Regent High School 'topping out ceremony' Councillor Mason, Councillor Hayward and Councillor Ali with Regent High Head Rosemary Leeke.
