A TOPPING-OUT ceremony, to mark completion of the main building and roof of its new junior school, was held at Notting Hill and Ealing High School this afternoon (29).

The eco-friendly building is due to be finished this autumn.

In attendance were Cheryl Giovannoni, Girls’ Day School Trust chief executive, head teacher Matthew Shoults, junior school head Kate Bevan and pupils from all years.

They were joined by project team members Carol Lees, architect and partner at Hawkins Brown, director of estates Cathryn Buckle and senior project manager Laura Lincoln, from GDST, along with key contractors.

Cheryl Giovannoni said: “With these flexible and state-of-the-art learning spaces, NHEHS has prepared for the future and can continue delivering the outstanding education for which it is renowned.”

Kate Bevan added: “The building embodies what we want for our girls – a childhood and school experience that gives them the space to explore, find their interests and play their part in a connected whole.”

The building includes 14 new classrooms, specialist teaching spaces for music, art, science and computing, a light-filled library and a hall with performance seating.

The outside space features a science garden, forest school area and dedicated play area for reception pupils.

GDST commissioned a net-zero carbon project, including a wooden frame, south-facing panels to catch sunlight and supply electricity, heat pumps and a heat recovery system to keep the warmth in the building while allowing in fresh air.

Pupils have been involved in the design from the start.