A day of demolition has brought the £16 million rebuild of the Quest Academy in South Croydon one step closer.
Last week, contractor Wates Construction invited pupils and staff to watch as they pulled down the sports hall next to the main school building.
The site will make way for a building big enough to provide for 900 pupils.
Andy Crofts, the school's head, said: "Our students had a great experience being up close to the demolition, especially when the remainder of the building literally roared to the ground.
"Needless to say, we are eagerly awaiting moving the Academy into the new building in just over a year's time."
Construction of the new facility is about to begin alongside the existing school building, which will also be demolished when the new block is finished.
In its place will be a state-of-the-art athletics track with auditorium and landscaped green space.
The project will also include a 215-capacity sixth form and new community facilities for Monks Hill Sports Centre.
The school aims to complete the work in September 2014 after 50 weeks of construction.
The new building has been jointly funded by the Education Funding Agency, £14.5 million, and Croydon Council, £1.7 million.
