School in St Austell considering changing its name and the school uniform colour
People are being invited to have their say
One of St Austell’s schools is inviting members of the public to give their views on plans to rebrand including the possibility of changing its name and the colour of its uniform.
Poltair School sent a letter out to parents this week giving some details about the proposals as well as an online survey for them to complete about the possible name change.
One of the key changes would be to move away from the school’s traditional green uniform and colour scheme to a new red uniform.
If the school changes its name it would not be the first time – it was originally opened as St Austell County School before then being known as St Austell Grammar and eventually being named Poltair School in the 1970s.
The secondary school, which is part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), sent the letter which explained some of the “significant changes” which could be made.
It explained that CELT had provided more than £1.75million to help develop the school site including a new library, entrance hall and redevelopment of the creative arts and music blocks. This is in addition to refurbishment of IT facilities and new resources for students.
The letter, from headteacher Matt Everett, went on: “As part of the redevelopment of Poltair we are considering, and consulting on, some significant changes; the school colours will be changing to reflect the history and pride of St Austell and adopting the classic red of the town.
“Staff consultation has already begun based on working groups with students and staff. These have generated many new ideas for new school names, logos and eventually a possible new uniform.”
The letter stresses that any changes to the uniform would be a “phased process” and that the first students who would wear it would be the new intake in 2022. It said that any uniform changes would consider the financial implications for families and they will try and keep costs at a minimum.
Mr Everett said: “This school has a great history, fantastic potential and phenomenal students who deserve a strong sense of identity and pride, which I believe a distinctive uniform provides.”
The online survey gives people four options for what the name of the school should be – stating that it could be changed by September this year.
The four options are:
Poltair School
Poltair Academy
St Austell School
St Austell Academy
Respondents are also invited to provide any additional comments about the proposed changes. The closing date for the survey is May 9th.
The proposed changes have prompted discussion on the school’s Facebook page with parents, former students and members of the public all commenting.
Alana White wrote: “I think you should keep the name and the uniform the same, Poltair is recognised for its green colour, I’ve always known it to be Poltair and green. Why change a good thing?”
Rob Perry said: “Really, you have spare funds to potentially spend on a name change, whether it costs £500 or £20,000 (more likely nearer the latter) surely that money could be spent elsewhere and put to better use.
“Also will a name change make certain items of uniform obsolete meaning they are thrown away as opposed to passed on to other children, how much stationery, books etc will need replacing (wasting)? Not very environmentally aware.”
Ross Ratty said: “Why would you change a name? Bad luck on a boat. This is a mild insult to everyone who attended over the last however many decades.”
And Sheila Vanloo asked: “What sensible reason is there for changing the name? The history of the school, teachers and pupils past and present is tied to the name Poltair. What is the point?”
The school responded to many of the comments and encouraged people to read the letter sent out and to complete the survey. They also stressed that retaining the name of Poltair was included in the options.
You can complete the survey here.