I am privileged to be the Head of such an outstanding school and to work with such wonderful students and staff. The Chase's record is exceptional indeed:

• a third, consecutive, highly-successful Inspection in February 2006, despite the raising of OFSTED standards since the previous inspection in 2000;
• the extension of the school's Technology College status in 2002, in recognition of the continuing and improving quality of its Maths, Science, Information Technology and Design Technology programmes; (we are looking forward confidently to bidding for a further extension in 2007);
• a successful application for a Second Specialism in Languages in April 2006, following an invitation to apply from DfES resulting from the school's longstanding record of success;
• a third Sportsmark Gold Award gained in Spring 2006 in recognition of the school's excellent programme of PE and Sport;
• a third Artsmark Gold Award gained in Summer 2007 for the continued quality of the school’s Arts provision: Art and Design, Dance, Drama, Music, musical and dramatic productions, poetry, creative writing and public speaking;
• a Leading Aspect Award also in Summer 2004 for 'Creativity Across the Curriculum';
consistently improving SATS and GCSE results, exceeding County and National averages;
• A Level results which annually place The Chase amongst the best schools in the country, state or private. In 2007, the average Upper Sixth student here obtained 3 A grades
• achievement of the Healthy School Award in July 2006.
• Eco-Schools Award in Spring 2007.
• Approval of the school’s Travel Plan in Summer 2007.

The latest OFSTED Report's main findings (available via the Internet) confirm that teaching and learning at The Chase are good across the board with a significant proportion of outstanding teaching. The Inspectors concluded that:

• the students achieve well above the national average;
• there are very good relationships between adults and students which are a real strength of the school;
• the school's sixth form is outstanding and sixth form students make an outstanding contribution to the life of school;
• care, guidance and support for learners are very good;
• extra-curricular opportunities are excellent;
• good progress has been made since the previous inspection;
• leadership and management are very good;

OFSTED's judgements only serve to confirm The Chase's national reputation. The quality of Sixth Form results at The Chase has placed it in the top échelon of the country's comprehensives for sixteen years running, confirmed by its appearance near the top of various tables compiled in The Independent, The Times and The Guardian newspapers. By and large, Chase students go to the University of their choice; this includes a proven track record of Oxford and Cambridge success, reflecting the high degree of commitment and the hard work of students and staff. In 2007, a further three students secured Oxbridge places, joining the three who were successful in their applications the previous year. Students who choose to go straight into employment after A Levels are helped to obtain worthwhile jobs with training and good prospects.

In September 1999, The Chase joined a special group of schools across the nation when its bid for Technology Status was accepted by the Government. The Chase is �a Technology College serving its community�. In addition to highlighting Maths, Science, Information and Communications Technology and Design Technology in particular, this initiative has spread the benefits of new technologies into all areas of the curriculum. Exciting developments under the Technology College heading have included a Hi-tech Engineering Suite and a Multi Media Drop-in Centre, combining ICT, Careers and Library facilities and the introduction of electronic white boards and multi-media projectors into classrooms. The school�s consistent success in providing an excellent education and in meeting its targets, led to an invitation from Department for Education and Skills to apply for a second specialism in Languages which was successful in April 2006. The funding associated with this specialism has provided for the refurbishment of the Lecture Theatre as a multi-media room; the employment of native speakers of French, German and Spanish as teachers and teaching assistants; the extension of Year 7 language study in Latin and German; and the provision of Italian and Japanese and Spanish lessons after school for Chase students.

In 2007, the overall A Level pass rate exceeded 98%, with 54% of the passes at A and B grades. The average Upper Sixth student at The Chase gained the equivalent of 3 A grades! Vocational course results contributed well to this average points score, being again among the best in the County. Lower Sixth results too were of a very high standard, with AS and Vocational grades promising very well for next year. This Summer, then, The Chase�s post-16 students extended the school�s consistent record of high academic performance and confirmed the Sixth Form Centre�s popularity with local students and parents.

GCSE results made a substantial leap forward in 2003, with an 11.5% increase in the proportion of students obtaining 5 or more A* - C passes, producing the best results obtained at the school since the GCSE system began. This improvement has been substantially maintained since and was matched again in 2007, with 69% of the students obtaining 5 or more A*-C grades, (61% including English and Maths), almost all our students obtaining at least one GCSE and 93% obtaining at least 5 GCSE grades.

The school is actively engaged in preparing for the introduction over the next few years of Specialised Diplomas in Applied Studies and is a founder member of the Malvern Consortium of Schools and Colleges which has been established to broaden choice for local young people.

The Chase will continue under my leadership to provide a sound preparation for life, to foster healthy competition and commitment, to encourage flair and creativity and to promote consideration for others. Staff and students are warm, friendly, and compassionate. The atmosphere is one of caring firmness based on Christian values in which progress and achievement of all kinds can flourish. The school is well-placed to take on its responsibilities under the coordinated approach to children's needs outlined in 'Every Child Matters'.

Since 1998, The Chase has been an exemplar school for Leadership and Responsibility; much of this hinges on its countless extra curricular activities, its celebration of achievement and its openness within which its young people are encouraged to make their mark.

You will find evidence of this, be it musical, dramatic, sporting, charitable in the centre of the booklet, and from the various genuine quotes from letters received from parents and members of the public printed in italics throughout this document. If you wish to test claims as to the purposeful and positive ethos within the school, please feel free to come and look around at any time.

Parents are most supportive in helping us to ensure high standards of uniform and discipline. Thanks to this, The Chase turns out more than its fair share of open-minded, flexible students, well able to compete with the very best in their own particular field.

The Chase has a great deal to offer your child and I am excited at the prospect of continuing to lead everyone connected with the school in the drive to maintain and extend its exceptional quality. I hope that you and your youngster will want to join us all in this great project!

Kevin Peck - Headteacher