New name planned for Colston's Girl's School
The board of Colston’s Girls’ School has voted to change its name - with the new one being revealed towards the end of this month.
Last updated 8th Oct 2020
It follows increasing concern across Bristol about the links to slave trader and philanthropist Edward Colston - whose statue was thrown into the harbour earlier this year.
The school say there will be a 'reasonable transition period' for uniform changes to reduce the cost burden on parent.
Bosses admit 'for some people, this announcement will be disappointing and for others it will be cause for celebration' and add that 'we will not be erasing the history of Colston’s Girls’ School , it is a part of Bristol’s story which is now an integral and permanent part of our curriculum'.
In a letter to parents Principal Mrs Kerry McCullagh said: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in our name change consultation.
"This has been an exciting experience for our school community as our students and staff embraced the unique opportunity to help shape the future of our school.
"Following a thorough consultation that included an online public survey and a series of lessons and debates in school, 81% of students and staff participated in the vote to decide whether to keep or change the name of CGS.
"This morning, the Board of Trustees for Venturers Trust reviewed the vote, alongside an analysis of the public consultation, and they have announced their decision to change the name of Colston’s Girls’ School.
"We promised to deliver an open and transparent consultation that placed the student voice at the heart of the decision-making process and the result of the in-school ballot is 75% in favour of changing the school’s name.
"I feel incredibly proud of the maturity and sensitivity that students have demonstrated throughout this process. They ensured that everyone taking part felt comfortable in expressing their views without any fear of being judged.
"Students have learnt so much about the democratic process and they have expanded their own opinions by talking and listening to such a wide range of people.
"The entire process has been positive and perfectly illustrates the inspiring qualities of our compelling students who will now develop a list of potential names to be reviewed by the Venturers Trust Board.
"A new name is expected to be revealed by the end of the month.
"For some people, this announcement will be disappointing and for others it will be cause for celebration. We will not be erasing the history of CGS, it is a part of Bristol’s story which is now an integral and permanent part of our curriculum. However, we will be forging a new identity for our school, a place that champions diversity and inclusion; and this is the momentous beginning of a new chapter.
"I know that some parents and carers will be concerned about the burden of cost associated with updating the school uniform as a result of this decision. I want to reassure you that we are mindful of this and, at the very least, we will allow a reasonable transition period to update school-branded clothing and other items."