Kier has celebrated a unique topping out ceremony at the multi-million pound Isle of Sheppey Academy.

The joint venture project, which is being carried out by Kier Construction’s major projects and southern businesses, involves the construction of a state-of-the-art academy across two sites on either side of the island, to serve 2,450 students.

The topping out ceremony, held at the east site, celebrated the completion of the external structure of the building. Lord Turnball, governor of academy sponsors Dulwich College, and academy student Peyton Massey, had the unique opportunity to literally make their mark on the building - cementing the occasion in history by signing their names in a concrete block which will become part of the structure.

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Commenting on playing such an important part in this special occasion, Peyton said: "It feels really nice because I will have younger brothers and sisters and cousins who will see it and they will know that I was at this school as well.

"I was nervous but at the same time I was really proud to represent our school."

Once complete, the academy which specialises in business, enterprise and sport, will be among the best in the world. With 11,500sq m of learning space being created on the east site and 8,000sq m on the west, new facilities will include a media suite, drama facilities, dance studios, performance studio, sports halls and outdoor sporting facilities, as well as a vocational centre.

Construction work on both sites is due to complete by August 2013.

(CD/GK)