Latest news with #schoolnamechange
BBC News
24-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sir John Madejski says renaming school 'won't solve its problems'
Former Reading FC owner John Madejski has said changing the name of a school originally named in his honour will "not solve any of its problems".Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing plans to change the John Madejski Academy in Whitley to Hartland High School from September. Sir John donated £3m towards the school's opening in Greenshaw Learning Trust, which took control of the school in January, said change was important to show how it was turning things round, as the academy was rated "inadequate" by regulator Ofsted in 2023. This is the school's fourth name change. It replaced Thames Bridge College, which was branded a failing school in 1998 and put into special measures. Prior to that was Ashmead School. Sir John said he wished the new trust well, but "the name-change is not what it should be concentrating on".He said: "It is not about me, it is about the school and about the kids."However, having said that, I really think that the money could have been spent better, you know on education." 'Symbolic step' The exact amount to change the name has not been specified by the trust. Sir John said: "The trust needs to concentrate on improving the schooling."You know if the Greenshaw Learning Trust can get it right, they will be recognised for that anyway."So, to change the name again, I think is a shame and bit unfortunate but you know what? I wish them every success."Greenshaw Learning Trust said it was "committed to turning things around". It added the renaming marked a "significant and symbolic step forward in the journey of ongoing school improvement". You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hundreds in Reading oppose John Madejski Academy name change
Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing plans to change the name of a school in Reading. The John Madejski Academy - named after the businessman and former Reading FC owner who donated £3m towards its opening in 2010 - is set to become Hartland High School from decision comes after it was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2023 and served a termination warning notice by the Department for Learning Trust (GLT), which took over the secondary school on Hartland Road in January, said the renaming marked a "significant and symbolic step forward in the journey of ongoing school improvement". Former Conservative MP for Reading West Rob Wilson set up a petition calling for the change to be reversed."This is both expensive and unnecessary and will put the school at odds with the local community," Mr Wilson GLT said the new name reflected "a shared vision and ambition to build a brighter, bolder future" for staff, students and the wider community. It said the name change followed a community-wide consultation and vote, which involved staff, parents, carers, governors and residents. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
