South Hampstead High School is one step closer to moving into its purpose-built new home after marking a milestone in the completion of the building.

Staff and students gathered at a topping out ceremony held at the Maresfield Gardens construction site last week to take part in the ancient tradition that has roots in Scandinavian culture.

Complete with a state-of-the-art teaching space, an underground sports hall and music studios, the 8,000sq m building will be a welcome change from the school’s temporary site on its sports ground in Lymington Road.

Girls from the school’s building committee were given the privilege of exploring the roof, which will have a roof garden.

Headmistress, Helen Pike, said: “I hope that everyone involved knows just how much they are contributing to the history and the future of our school.”