‘Topping Out’ ceremony for our new school building

Today marked a great milestone in the construction of our first special free school in Croydon. Key stakeholders were invited by building contractor, Kier, to witness the ‘topping out’ of Addington Valley Academy.

The virtual ceremony took place on the roof of the school’s west wing where Kier Project Manager, Ed Dwight, opened proceedings by explaining that topping out ceremonies take place to signify that a building has reached its maximum height and the last piece of the roof has been placed. Ed, on behalf of the project team, signed the capping at the top of the building’s parapet to mark the topping out.

Chris Lilley, Kier Operations Manager for Education Sector Projects, thanked everyone for their collaborative approach to the project which progressed against a challenging backdrop of Covid-19 and some awful weather conditions.

Laurie Cornwell, Executive Principal and Deputy CEO of OHC&AT praised the team for their commitment stating: “We are all working towards one important goal – to transform the lives of the pupils and students that will attend Addington Valley Academy”.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “Croydon is focused on ensuring that all of our children and young people have access to high-quality education provision in the borough where they live. Addington Valley Academy promises exactly that, and I look forward to September when the new building will be ready to welcome students.”

John Reilly, Principal of Addington Valley Academy, said: “It is wonderful to be part of such a positive event. The build has reached the halfway mark and pupils, students, parents and staff are all looking forward to the formal opening of the school”.