A vision taking shape
As the year draws to a close, students and staff at the school joined partners from Kier Construction and the Department for Education (DfE) to celebrate a year of remarkable progress. The topping out ceremony, held on Monday 2nd December 2024, marked a key milestone in the construction of the school’s new state-of-the-art building, symbolising the transformation taking shape and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
The event took place during week 37 of the 113 week construction timeline, a third of the way into the project. In that time, the old building has been demolished, foundations laid, and the steel frame erected – an impressive achievement reflecting the meticulous planning and execution of the build.
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the final steel beam, a moment described by Headteacher Marion Budd as “emotional”. Reflecting on the years of planning, she thanked the DfE and Kier team and paid special tribute to Tony McKee, the school’s former new build project manager who returned for the occasion.
Once signed, attendees watched the final steel beam being carefully lifted and placed into position, indicating the completion of the structural framework. Ms Budd commented:
The names on this steel will be here for years to come, a lasting reminder of this moment for generations of students.
To commemorate the event, the Kier team presented a plaque crafted from a salvaged workbench from the old science block. John Bolton, Regional Director for Kier Construction commented:
This school’s new building is not just about speed, it’s about quality, sustainability and creating spaces that will inspire teaching and learning for years to come. It’s also a source of pride for the local community – we’re creating 16 apprenticeships and providing opportunities for 16 T Level students during the process.
With completion expected in the 2025/26 academic year, the new Islip Manor High School will feature 8,400m² of modern teaching spaces, a Specialist Resource Provision (SRP), an ultra-modern cinema and cutting-edge sustainability features.
Ms Budd summed up the event:
This day marks not just the progress of our building but the progress of our vision - a school that is innovative, inclusive and inspiring. We look forward to the many opportunities this space will provide for our students, staff and the wider community for generations to come.”
A Year 10 student also encapsulated the significance of the day saying:
We made history here today.
Topping Out Ceremony
