A BRAND new building focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at a school in Sunningdale is one step closer to completion.

The new STEM block at Charters School will feature 13 new classrooms for science and maths teaching, two of which will be science laboratories.

At a topping out ceremony for the new building on Monday, April 23, a switch connected to the roof’s solar panels was officially switched on by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet members for children’s services, Cllr Natasha Airey.

She said: “We’re investing over £30 million in a programme to expand our secondary schools and it was fantastic to see first hand the excellent work happening at Charters.

“Students and staff seem delighted with the building so far and I’m looking forward to seeing it completed, ready in time for their return to school in September.

“The Royal Borough’s secondary school expansion programme will eventually create over 1,000 additional student places at six schools.”

The expansion of the school will provide an extra 210 student places over five years, and the topping out means the building is now weatherproof and work can begin to complete the inside.

Co-Headteacher, Richard Pilgrim said: “We are delighted that Charters is benefitting from brand new facilities as part of the Royal Borough’s secondary schools’ expansion programme.

“In this, the school’s diamond anniversary year, we are celebrating the success of our STEM subjects by participating in the Royal Society’s Summer Exhibition.

“This new 13-room teaching block will inspire the next generation of scientists and mathematicians.”

The ceremony coincided with the school’s 60th anniversary, which was celebrated with a dazzling gala dinner at Windlesham Golf Club.

Charters Jazz Band provided the entertainment as guests arrived for a champagne reception, before being treated to a dance display.

Mr Pilgrim said: “We raised nearly £6,000 and we would like to thank all the local businesses who donated items for the raffle and auction, sponsored tables or advertised in the programme.