IT’S 50 not out for Cherwell School.

And visitors to the school’s half-century anniversary party pledged another half decade of success during Saturday’s celebratory festival.

Headteacher Paul James planted a tree to mark to mark the occasion with a plaque embossed ‘1963 to 2013’.

Former staff, teachers and pupils gathered to reminisce and take part in fun and games.

Inaugural head boy from 1963, Philip Huckin, gave a speech dedicated to the past, present and hopeful future successes of the Marton Ferry Road school.

Former headteacher Martin Roberts, who served from 1981 to 2003, said: “It was great to catch up with people from the 60s and 70s, and remarkable to see how the school has grown.”

The 71-year-old Frenchay Road resident said: “I have always said that teaching here is one of the best jobs in English education.”

Another former headteacher, Jill Judson (2003 to 2009), from Charlbury, added: “It was a wonderful day, not just to catch up with old colleagues but to hear of those before my time.”