Another Bristol school announces rebrand in break from slave trade past
It becomes the third school in Bristol to distance itself from infamous trader Edward Colston
Last updated 6th Dec 2021
Yet another Bristol institution is changing its name to disassociate itself with the slave trader Edward Colston.
Colston's School was founded by the trader in 1710, but after 311 years of history the school says the decision has come after a "lengthy period" of consultation and reflection.
Two other schools and several other sites with links to Colston have already carried out similar rebrands, after a statue to the man was famously torn down in the city centre last year.
Colston's Girls School on Gloucester Road renamed itself as Montpelier High in November 2020.
In March The Dolphin School in Montpelier decided to change its badge, which was based on the Colston family crest and the Colston Hall music venue has rebranded as the Bristol Beacon.
On top of that the Colston Tower has been renamed as the Beacon Tower and the Colston Arms pub in Kingsdown is in the process of changing its name.
At the moment a banner hangs outside labelling it, "Ye olde Pubby Mcdrunkface".
In its statement Colston's School says a new name will be announced in the summer of 2022.
"Back in June the school began an extensive name consultation, inviting views from the school community as well as the general public," the statement reads.
"The consultation was launched following the events that took place in Bristol in June 2020, namely the toppling of the Colston statue, that prompted renewed questions over the retention of the Colston name across the city.
"What became clear was that the name Colston has become a symbol of the city’s extensive links to slavery and will forever be associated with the enslavement and deaths of African men, women and children."
The school says its survey received more than 2,500 responses, with more than 1,000 of them coming from members of the public.
According to the school, most of the responses from the general public were in favour of keeping the name, but those from people "closer to the school" were "more inclined" to see it changed.
Nick Baker, Chair of Governors at Colston’s School, said: “After a lengthy period of consultation, consideration, and reflection, it became clear that those with a closer connection to the school, would prefer to have a name that was more relevant for the pupils and staff of today and tomorrow.
“It is hoped that a new identity will do more to reflect the values and ethos that the school stands for today and to make it even more welcoming to the local community it serves.”
The statement goes on, saying the decision to change the school's name "will not erase the school's history", and teaching about the slave trade, plus Bristol and Edward Colston's role in it, "will remain a key part of the school's curriculum".
Headmaster Jeremy McCullough said, "Changing the name will not change the nature of our happy, diverse and forward-looking school.
"We will continue to provide an excellent and holistic education and to do our very best to support those families who entrust us with their children.
“It is an exciting new chapter for the school, and I am proud of our pupils and staff for engaging in this complex discussion and for being a part of the future they want to see.”