William Gladstone Church of England Primary Academy, Newark, officially re-brands itself

A school has officially re-branded itself because of its former namesake’s links to the slave trade, writes Elliot Ball.

William Gladstone Church of England Primary Academy, Newark, was named after the former Prime Minister and town MP whose family had links to the slave trade.

The school held a celebration day to mark the change of its name to The King’s Church of England Primary Academy.

Head Sarah Clarke said: “The ceremony marks the start of a new chapter in the exciting story of our academy.

“We have come so far in such a short space of time and every day I see our Christian values of kindness, friendship and faith being lived out in the school community.”

Students were joined by Diocesan Director Education Nigel Frith, the chief executive of the Diocese Southwell and Nottingham Multi-Academy Trust Chris Moodie, among other guests.

After the event children were given mementos of the day recognising the new school name and logo, and also received The King’s Charter containing a pledge from the school.

The charter encourages children to build a den in a forest, walk on a beach, bake a cake, and more.

Sarah Clarke said: “We have pledged to give children the best education and opportunities possible.

“Our pledges include a wide variety of things that we want to provide and share with children, to make their time here a joyous and memorable part of their lives.

“The pledge includes many planned experiences for children, including building a den in a forest and walking up a stream, to helping a wild animal, seeing a play and exploring a cave.”

Pupil Hadleigh Spindley, 9, said: “I like our school’s new name because it is named after Jesus and we are a Church of England school.

“It means something more than our old name and we all like the new logo too.”