The opening of a new special school in Upper Norwood moved a step closer as a construction milestone was reached. 

Jill Thomas, headteacher of Priory School, laid a slab of concrete in the 'topping out' ceremony for the school's new £11.6m building in Hermitage Road. 

The community special educational needs school will move from its current location in Tennison Road, South Norwood, in 2014.

The new building will cater for 132 pupils aged from 11 to 19. 

Ms Thomas said: “The students, staff and governors are very excited that the building has reached this very significant point and are all very much looking forward to working and learning in the new school."

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning Croydon Council, said: "Work is really going well on this project and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in getting us to this important milestone.

"The new school will provide a first-class learning environment for children with special educational needs in Croydon."

The school, being built by construction firm Leadbitter, will include sixteen classrooms, a large hall, a studio and a flat in which post-16 pupils can study life skills. 

'Topping out' ceremonies are held when construction projects reach their pinnacle.