ST Mark’s West Essex Catholic School, in Harlow, has celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment of the school with a topping out ceremony, marking the completion of the highest point of construction.

This project is being delivered by Kier on behalf of the Department for Education as part of the government’s Schools Rebuilding Programme.

Pupils and staff will benefit from an 8,800 square metre energy-efficient new school building which will replace its existing dated facilities and enhance SEND provision in the area. Transforming the learning environment and supporting teachers to deliver a high-quality education, so that pupils gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to succeed.

The new school building will provide sports facilities, specialist drama facilities, a food technology room, design technology and information communication technology classrooms, in addition to SEND provision and the building will be Net Zero Carbon in Operation.

Kier is making sure that the school remains in full operation throughout the construction work through carefully planned out phasing.

The topping out ceremony brought together representatives from Kier, the school, the Department for Education, WSP, as well as students and staff, to celebrate the significant progress made on this transformative project. During the event, attendees signed the roof capping to mark the construction milestone.

Tom Martin, regional director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for all involved and represents an important step in creating a modern teaching and learning environment for staff and pupils. Progress on the school continues at pace and we are proud to work in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver this first-class school.”

John Taylor, Headteacher of St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School, said: “It has been really exciting to watch the new building emerge from the ground and it is a great cause of celebration to reach this point. The new building will provide an exceptional learning facility that will bring provide students of St Mark’s, both now and for generations to come, with an exceptional learning facility. We look forward to delivering high quality education in this outstanding building.”

During this project, Kier has delivered over £3.5m in social value, with £1.9m invested locally through the supply chain. Whilst also supporting the next generation of construction workers in the local community, by delivering 13 weeks of T Levels from Harlow College and 50 apprenticeship weeks, alongside 155 hours of education engagement.

This includes a highly successful Open Doors 2026 event, where the site hosted Year 10 students from St Mark’s School and Build UK.

Kier has a long-established record in education, delivering exceptional learning environments as a trusted partner to the Department for Education, Welsh and Scottish governments and local authorities nationwide.