THE headteacher of an outstanding school is retiring after 22 years in charge. Peter Chapman, 59, retires tomorrow (Friday) only weeks after an Ofsted report classified the Knights Templar School in Baldock as outstanding, the only secondary school in H

THE headteacher of an "outstanding" school is retiring after 22 years in charge.

Peter Chapman, 59, retires tomorrow (Friday) only weeks after an Ofsted report classified the Knights Templar School in Baldock as outstanding, the only secondary school in Hertfordshire to achieve this.

To mark Mr Chapman's retirement the school had put on several events.

There was a musical extravaganza at the Gordon Craig Theatre last week and an ex-pupil reunion on Saturday, with former students helping create the Biggest Band in Baldock.

He also had his portrait painted by 17-year-old pupil Patrick Hurst. It will be displayed at the school.

Although he has not made any definite plans for his retirement Mr Chapman would like to do some volunteering work and spend time playing in a band.

He said: "It will be a shame to leave when I know the staff do a great job, and the pupils respond to them.

"It has been very enjoyable and there have been great times, but I am looking forward to putting my feet up.

"The most endearing memories I will be taking away from my time here are the ones where students have shown great improvement while at the school when they may have struggled beforehand.

"In regards to the painting, we've had artists painting pictures in the past when a headteacher retires but it is great that a student has done it this time. It's a really good picture."

Nigel Underwood, the assistant headteacher, is also retiring at the end of this term. He joined the staff in 1975 and along with Mr Chapman has contributed to the school's success.