One of Birmingham's leading educationalists, Roger Dancey, retires from his post as chief master of King Edward's School today.

Mr Dancey has led the top-performing independent boys' school for seven years during which time he has been an outspoken figure within education.

The 60-year-old was treated to a week of send-offs, including a This Is Your Life-style presentation attended by former students, organised by the school's parents' association.

Among the guests at the event, hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen, was Hollywood actress Neve Campbell, who is dating a former pupil from his days at Birmingham's King Edward's Camp Hill School for Boys.

Mr Dancey, who gained his first headship at Camp Hill in Kings Heath, said: "I was given an incredibly nice farewell by the school. It is a lovely way to finish."

Asked about the highlight of his time at King Edward's, Mr Dancey cited the school's Ofsted report of 2001.

"There is a hierarchy of adjectives when you get an inspection report," he said.

"It goes satisfactory, good, very good and excellent but the best word they use is outstanding and that is what we got."

* Look out for an in-depth interview with Roger Dancey in The Birmingham Post over the Christmas period.