Staff and pupils at Kimbolton School joined construction workers for an official topping-out ceremony at the top of the school’s new science and maths building.

The £10.6 million two-storey development, due to open in September, will be called the Queen Katharine Building 2.

It has 2,700 square metres of floor space and will include 12 science laboratories, five maths classrooms, digital learning classroom, ICT rooms, greenhouse, technician areas, conference room, staff room and break areas.

Contractors from SDC were thanked at this month’s ceremony, an old tradition used to celebrate the moment a new building reaches its highest point. Traditionally, it was also thought to bring good luck on the building and ward off evil spirits.

The school’s director of science, Alastair Gray, said: “The spacious, fully equipped laboratories will provide pupils with all they need to engage in exciting and stimulating practical work, thus equipping future generations with the skills they need to become experts in their chosen fields.

“This building is a clear statement that Kimbolton School recognises the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths subjects and is committed to providing its pupils with the opportunities to excel in these fields.

“I hope that this building will also attract attention from the wider scientific community as a suitable hub that can be used to help promote the importance and enjoyment of science beyond the classroom.”

Work to convert the school’s existing science facilities into new food and nutrition, and geography classrooms will start at the end of the summer term.