News / Edward Colston
Colston’s Girls’ School begins process that could lead to name change
A Bristol school that was built with money Edward Colston had endowed to support education in the city has begun a consultation that could see his name removed from the institution.
A consultation will determine whether to change the name of Colston’s Girls’ School (CGS), with an online questionnaire inviting public engagement.
Established in 1891, the Cheltenham Road school decided as recently as 2017 to keep the name of the notorious slave trader, saying that it was “not appropriate” to remove Colston’s name.
Venturers Trust chair, Gail Bragg, said: “Educational improvement isn’t all about results and statistics.
“It’s equally important to provide a nurturing environment where young people can thrive, have the confidence to stand up for issues that matter to them and crucially, that the adults they have placed their trust in, are listening.”
Bragg added: “The staff and students of CGS expressed a strong desire to have an open and transparent consultation about the name of the school and Venturers Trust wholly supports this move.”
In October, the current students and staff of CGS will each cast a vote to decide whether or not the school should change its name.
If the decision is made to remove the current name, this will be followed by a search for a new name – which will be announced by the end of October.
CGS principal, Kerry McCullagh, said: “The power to make such an important decision is being placed in the hands of our students and staff who have grasped this amazing opportunity…
“It is absolutely right that we consider whether the name of our school is reflective of our forward-thinking community.”
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: Powerful documentary explores racial inequalities and Bristol after Colston
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