A Norfolk high school celebrated the topping out of its new �5m college building yesterday, just a week after the body which funded it effectively ran out of cash.

A Norfolk high school celebrated the topping out of its new �5m college building yesterday, just a week after the body which funded it effectively ran out of cash.

Reepham High School's new sixth form was funded entirely by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), a government quango.

The building, due to open to up to 225 students in September, will include sound rooms, an animation suite, a learning resources centre with 60 computers, an ICT suite with 30 computers, a lecture hall and flexible teaching spaces.

It will be the first time the school, between Aylsham and Fakenham in north Norfolk, has been able to offer post-16 education.

Chris Hassell, head teacher of the school, said: 'It brings a dream one step nearer, a dream we have had for a long time.

'We have always believed the children of Reepham deserve to remain in the school and we hope it will be one of the best schools in the world.'

Last week, it was reported the school is one of just three in Norfolk to be graded at the highest standard, outstanding, by Ofsted.

Mr Hassell joined builders Kier Eastern, Norfolk Property Services and school governor Tony Williams to perform the official topping out ceremony and thanked them all for their involvement in the project.

NPS has contributed �25,000 to help project manage the build. Norfolk County Council also gave �116,000 towards buying a neighbouring agricultural field on which a new cricket pitch and playing field will be created.

He also thanked Reepham architects Teather and Walls for their work on the building.

Last Friday it was announced plans for a nation-wide overhaul of colleges were in ruins because the LSC had run out of cash.

A 'catalogue of incompetence' was blamed for cash running out for projects, meaning some would have to be put back up to three years or more.

Many institutions had spent thousands of pounds on architects designs, planning applications and consultation having been encouraged by the LSC to 'think big'.