News / Edward Colston
Colston’s Girls’ School reveals new name
The principal of Colston’s Girls’ School told students on Friday afternoon that they had “navigated a complex and emotional issue with skill and maturity”.
The issue was changing the name of the 129-year-old school, with Kerry McCullagh saying that pupils had “shown respect for others throughout the process, acknowledging that there are many views and opinions that reach far beyond the city”.
Last month, the Cheltenham Road school announced its decision to rebrand, and this week students and staff have been voting to select a new name.
The new name of the school will be Montpelier High School, with a transition period now in place and a full rebrand expected in September 2021
Speaking at Friday afternoon’s all-school assembly, head student, Betsy Maguire, said: “It’s been incredible to be part of this process and to work alongside others on such a monumental project.
“I am certain that there are students in this school who will change the world. Be it through challenging opinions or championing ideals for the future, every single person here should feel proud of what they have achieved.”
Chair of governors, Chris Patterson, added: “Inviting the students to shape and deliver the consultation and to have the final say on what the new name should be was certainly the right decision.
“The students have conducted themselves with integrity throughout the entire process and they have been fantastic ambassadors for the school, displaying our core values of respect, responsibility, curiosity and resilience.”
The choices of the school’s new name were split into nouns and suffixes, with voters made of the school’s pupils and staff able to rank their preferences in each category.
From a choice of Montpelier, Liberty and Concordia; and College, High School and School, 62 per cent of votes favoured Montpelier High School.
Main photo by Martin Booth
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