Colston's School reveals new name
It will become "Collegiate School" in September in an attempt to distance the school from slave trader Edward Colston
Another institution in Bristol with links to the infamous slave trader Edward Colston, has announced a change to its name.
Colston's School was founded by the man himself in 1710, but has announced that from September 2022 it will be known as Collegiate School.
Plans to change the name were first discussed after a statue to Colston was torn down by Black Lives Matter protestors in the centre of Bristol, in June 2020.
That incident followed the murder of black man George Floyd in the United States by a white police officer, which sparked anger across the world.
In Bristol specifically it led many to question why a man like Colston, known to have been involved in the deaths of tens of thousands of enslaved Africans, was still memorialised in the city.
Following the toppling of the statue to Colston the Colston Hall music venue changed its name to Bristol Beacon.
The neighbouring Colston Tower became Beacon Tower, while a pub called the Colston Arms on St Michael's Hill ditched its name and temporarily became Ye Olde Pubby McDrunkface.
The pub has since adopted a new name of The Open Arms.
On top of that Colston's Girl's School on Cheltenham Road became Montpelier High and The Dolphin School in Montpelier, which featured the Colston family crest in its badge, redesigned its branding.
In a statement the Governors of Colston's School say the change comes following "a lengthy and considered consultation process".
"The name was chosen following hundreds of suggestions received from students, parents, staff and former students, with Collegiate being a strong contender due to its previous connection with the school," the statement reads.
"In 1991, upon merging with the Collegiate School in Winterbourne, the school became Colston’s Collegiate and for the first time was fully co-educational."
Chair of the Board, Nick Baker says the name Collegiate represents the "inclusive nature" of the school.
"Our Nursery, Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form all work together for the collective good, so too the school with our parents, former pupils and its wider community," he said.
"The Governing Board are clear that this change must not be interpreted as an attempt to change or deny the school's history.
"We believe it is important that students attending the school continue to be taught about the school's history; specifically, Edward Colston's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
"In order to assist with this, some historical aspects of the school, for example the crest and motto, will be retained and explained, rather than removed."
The school's Head Jeremy McCollough has welcomed the announcement.
“Increasingly our student and parental body reflect the diverse nature of Bristol and we want to continue to work with our local communities in order to widen access to our school as much as possible.," he said.
“We believe that moving forwards with this new name will help us to become an ever more inclusive and welcoming community.”