A WOMAN at the top of her tree was guest speaker at Darlington's independent girls' school speech day.

Prof Janet Bainbridge, director of Teesside university's department of science and technology, urged Polam Hall pupils to make the most of their personal achievements, which would take them through life.

She stressed the attitude of an individual was the key to their ultimate success. She urged them to reflect on every day with optimism, endeavour and enthusiasm to meet the challenges they will face with a positive and cheerful attitude.

Prof Bainbridge joined the mayor of Darlington, Coun Dot Long, and her husband, Bob, on the platform.

Mr Bill Goyder, chairman of governors, awarded prizes and certificates for the year's academic achievements, as well as its success in music and drama and sport.

Headmistress, Mrs Helen Hamilton, welcomed the guests and gave a report on the school year.

She highlighted the examination results, particularly Rachel Turvey's star-studded performance of A* grades in all 11 of her GCSEs; a successful inspection report, the expansion of the junior school and the new scholarship allied for the first time to a local business.

Mrs Hamilton commented on the need for single sex schools.

"In spite of our comparative rarity, we as a breed dominate the league tables, be it of independent or maintained schools, selective or comprehensive schools.

"There are many reasons for this but my feeling is there is a need for schools to consider the very different development of the two sexes particularly in the teenage years and those who do, which are largely single sex schools, have a better success rate.

"The losers in all this appear to be boys, as the single sex boys' school is now an endangered species. We count ourselves very lucky in our co-operation with Hurworth House that we can truly have the best of both worlds.