CHASE headteacher Kevin Peck paid tribute to the efforts of pupils and staff at the school's speech day, adding that there was more to their success than simply exam results.

Sporting achievements, productions of Cold Comfort Farm and Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes, music and the Chase FM radio station were all highlights raised by Mr Peck during his address.

Speech day was held on Tuesday and the guest of honour was the poet Carol Ann Duffy.

She was joined by chairman of governors, Heather Williamson, and former staff members, including Ralph Storer, attending his 45th speech day, and Hilary Smith, who retired as head of lower school in the summer after many years of service at the school.

The past was very much in mind, as Mr Peck recorded the fact that the school had celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2003.

"It has been a privilege to be associated with the various celebrations of this anniversary, especially the Chase Association ball last July and the thanksgiving service at the Priory in October," he said.

On the academic front, he paid tribute to GCSE students who achieved the finest exam results in the school's history "by a significant margin". He added that Key Stage 3 results were also the best ever and that A'Level results had held up well following record-breaking results in 2002.

"I will summarise the year by saying that The Chase again fulfilled its responsibility as members of the 'education partnership' last year, not only to 'teach your children well' but also to give them memories to treasure and opportunity and encouragement to grow into the happy and achieving adults we see here this afternoon," he told the audience.